Robert "Bob" Gene Stephens (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Robert Gene Stephens, son of Lee Roy and Lena Melvina Cox Stephens, was born February 2, 1935, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, October 9, 2019, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years, eight months, and seven days.
On June 29, 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Joann Clemons, and they shared the last sixty-five years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bobby Dale Stephens; a brother, Marvin Stephens; and a sister, Josephine Cox.
“Bob”, as he was called by his family and friends, is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of the home; three daughters, Annajean McCormack, and her husband, Jim, Jolene Griffin, and her husband, Rex, and Ginger Blue, and her husband, Joe, all of Lebanon, Missouri; three sons, Ed Stephens, and his wife, Tammy, Rob Stephens, and his wife, Jeanie, and Brad Vance, and his wife, Sharon, all of Lebanon, Missouri; twenty grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Wanda Reading, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Lebanon area. Once he and Betty were married, they made their home in Laclede County, close to Lebanon, and lovingly raised their family. Bob began working as a gravel hauler for Ed Rush and did that for several years. He then became a long haul truck driver for various companies through the years, and retired from the IWX Trucking Company in 2013, at the age of seventy-eight. During those forty-eight years, he received the Truck Driver of the Year award several times.
Bob was a longtime, active member of Lebanon First Assembly of God and currently was a member of Phillipsburg Assembly of God. He has been a Sunday school teacher, song leader, and a Deacon in both churches.
He possessed a delightful sense of humor and was a bit of a practical joker. He liked to entertain people and loved to scare the kids and others in fun. He tried to teach all of his children and grandchildren how to wiggle their ears like he could, but with not much success. He was a very friendly person who also liked to give people hugs. He loved his family dearly and especially enjoyed having time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-four years.
Memorial contributions to Stephens Cemetery may be made through the funeral home.
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