John Lee Stephens, 92

Funeral services for John Stephens, 92, formerly of Ava, were held March 19, 2021, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava. Mr. Stephens died March 16 at his home in Brookline. 

He was born on April 9, 1928, in Ozark County, the son of Roy and Ada Rackley Stephens. After his mother’s death in 1928, his father married Mable Tetrick. John grew up on Brush Creek in Ozark County with his grandparents, Oll and Lyde Driskell.

He attended Brush Creek Elementary as a child and worked on his grandparents’ farm in Ozark County as a young man. He was drafted into the army in 1951 and spent two years in the service. 

On June 19, 1954, in Ava, he married Thelma Jo Pool. Mr. Stephens retired from Heath & Son Feed in Ava in 1994 after working there 35 years. He also mowed the Eaton Cemetery with his brother-in-law, Benny Pool, for many years. Mr. Stephens attended Mt. Tabor Church and later Life Church (FGBC) prior to relocating to Brookline in 2020.

Mr. Stephens was a hard worker and was known to tinker in his garage in his free time. He enjoyed hunting, traveling out west, going to McDonald’s with his wife, Jo, and spending time with his family. After he could no longer make long trips, his kids and grandkids would call when they traveled to tell him where they were, and he would find their location in the atlas he always kept next to his chair. He also enjoyed working on the Mt. Tabor church building with his best buddy, Martin Hathcock.

He is survived by two children, Max Stephens and wife Kathy of Brookline, and Lisa Stephens Hensley of Hartville; four grandchildren, Lana Stephens, Eric Stephens, Jordan Hensley (and Frank Lada) and Seth Hensley and wife Laken; sisters Lorene Curtis, Ruby Adams and Arlene Scott and husband Wes, brothers Ollen Stephens and wife Sue, and Marvin Stephens and wife Teresa; sisters-in-laws Dormalee Stephens and Vergie Stephens; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jo Stephens; his parents; and his brothers, J.T. Stephens, Allen and Ellis Stephens. 

Burial was March 20 in Eaton cemetery with Max Stephens officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Cemetery or to the family as a love offering. Condolences may be expressed clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.

Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, directors.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423