L. Leon Stephens

L. Leon Stephens of Steelville, MO, was born on Thursday, June 30, 1938, in Granite City, IL, to Clifford Leslie Stephens and Helen Stephens, nee Kessler.  He passed away at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 28 days.

Leon grew up and graduated high school in Granite City, IL.  He then went to Evangel University in Springfield, MO where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting and later received his master’s degree from St. Louis University.  He married the love of his life, Joann Bell, on September 6, 1959, in Gary, IN, and to this union two children were born.  In 1976, Leon and his family moved to Steelville where he worked as a contractor and was owner of different construction companies but had previously worked for McDonald Douglas.  During that career, he built churches, restaurants and college dormitories throughout the United States.  He was co-owner of Spare Rib Inn for 5 years and started River Mist both in Steelville, MO.  He then worked as a Deputy for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department for 9 years.  Last, he worked as a real estate agent for Perkins Realty, United Country out of St. James, MO and retired from Century 21 in Steelville, MO.  Leon was a devoted christian; he served as a deacon at Tri City Park Tabernacle in Granite City, IL, was very active when he attended First Assembly and Rivers of Life churches in Steelville and was a licensed minister.   He enjoyed playing basketball, softball and attending church activities.  He liked hunting, target shooting and BBQing; he especially enjoyed going to his children’s sporting events.  Most of all, Leon loved spending time with family and friends.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Helen Stephens; wife Joann Stephens; parents-in-law Frank and Filomay Bell; brother Danny Stephens; brothers-in-law Ron Bayer, Louie Veasey and Mike Blachly.

Leon is survived by his two children, Mark (Gina) Stephens of Aurora, CO and Marsha Stephens of St. Louis, MO; two sisters, Loretta Veasey of Bradley, IL and Barbara Bayer of Leander, TX; one grandchild, Anthony Stephens of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law, Grace Blachly of Portage, IN; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Visitation was from 9:15 AM - 11:00 AM on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.  Funeral Service immediately followed at 11:00 AM with Pastor Kyle Phillips officiating.  Burial was at Steelville Cemetery.  Memorials were suggested to Samaritans Purse or Sullivan Assembly of God Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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