John Edward Stephens

He was born January 19, 1932 in Tampa, Florida to William Edward and Foye (Hughes) Stephens and grew to maturity in that city. He was a graduate of Hillsborough High School in Tampa, and Mt. SAC in California. In 1958 he moved his young family to California and remained there until 2004 when he moved to Apache Junction, Arizona. He was a member of the Church of God.

He was a master story teller, recounting the tales of his life to the family and friends that he loved. He was a man of God, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Always willing to lend an ear or offer a helping hand to family, friends, or strangers. He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by brothers William Harold Stephens and David Foye Stephens, as well as daughters Susan Darlene and Aimee Rose Stephens. He is survived by and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol (Ternus); sons John, Jr. and Leon of Las Vegas, Nevada; Kevin and wife Belinda of Somerset, Kentucky; daughters Karen and husband Carl Gray of New Hampshire, Cindy and husband Steve Raleigh, and Beverly and husband Mitch Clendenin, all of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite the miles that separated them, he loved his grandchildren; Jennifer and husband Oliver Hayes, Ana Stephens, Andrew and wife Malia Stephens, Aaron Stephens, Daniel and wife Elisabeth Gray, Brittney and husband Shane Cornett, Amber Lund and fiancé Michael McCurdy, Elliot “EJ” Lund, Kyle Fischer and fiancée Melanie Bonny, Tara Fischer, Erik Fischer and fiancee Lauren Freitas, Bryan “Gator” Stephens, Cole Stephens, and Will Stephens. He was also the proud great-grandfather of 11.

He is also survived by brothers James Hugh Stephens and wife Janie of Dade City, Florida; Henry L. “Leon” Stephens of Ontario, California; sister Lenora Hunt of Houston, Texas; Sister in law Margaret Stephens of Tampa, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services at Green Acres Chapel of Light, 401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Public visitation 12:30 PM

Funeral Service 1:30 PM

Graveside service 2:30 PM

Reception to follow at 3700 Ironwood Dr., Apache Junction, AZ