GREENWOOD
James “Lester” Stephens, 82, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at his residence in Franklin.
He was born Dec. 6, 1933, in Mount Vernon, Kentucky to Elmer Wilson Stephens and Beulah Kathryn (McClure) Stephens.
He married Judith M. “Judy” Callon” Stephens on April 30, 1983, at the Church of the Lakes in Princess Lakes; she survives.
He owned and operated since 1962 Stephens Auto Parts and Machine Shop in Franklin.
He was a member of Family of Hope Church in Peoga.
He had raced sprint cars, enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, country and gospel music.
His commitments to God, church, his family and business is what meant so much to him.
Survivors include his wife, Judith M. “Judy” (Callon) Stephens of Franklin; children, Kathy Walker (Darryl) of Nineveh, Veronica Messick of Illinois, Brenda Myers (John) of Amarillo, Texas, the Rev. Roger Stephens (Debbie) of Franklin, Lisa Stephens of Trafalgar, Darlena Callon of Nineveh, Patty Ferriera (Chan) of Martinsville, Brenda Thompson (Butch) of Morgantown, Allen Zook (Darla) of Waynesville, Missouri, Daniel Zook (Carla) of Trafalgar, Kenneth Zook (Katrina Marsh) of Franklin, Diana Fennell (Dan) of Macina, New York, Denise Larson (Don) of Franklin and Jennifer Lewis (John) of Whiteland; 32 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Jean Shank (Russell) of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Donoho, Mary Farrow and Martha Cheek, and a brother, Charles Stephens.
The Revs. Lewis Burton and Roger Stephens will conduct a service at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the service time Thursday at the mortuary. Burial will be at Spearsville Cemetery in Spearville.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.
Information: 317-738-0202.
