William "Reid" Stephens

William “Reid” Stephens, of Bourbon, MO, was born on Monday, February 4, 1924 in Hinch, MO to Mont Homer Stephens and Mamie Frances (Wymer) Stephens.  He passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at his home at the age of 96 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Reid graduated from Bourbon High School in 1942. In March of 1943, he was inducted into the United States Army where he served and fought during World War II. In February of this year, he was awarded The Order of The Crown, the second highest Belgian Order Of Knighthood for his outstanding service during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. He was a machine gunner with the 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion of the 7th Armored Division and fought with his fellow soldiers to hold back a German offensive that threatened to break the Allied lines. His platoon stayed back to provide rearguard security for his battalion and this cost him his freedom as he was taken as a prisoner of war by the German army. After his release and honorable discharge from the Army, he attended Moler Barber School in St. Louis and was the local barber in Bourbon for 42 years. Reid's Barber Shop was known as "A Good Place to get clipped." In August of 1947, he married his first wife Lucille Mildred (Eaton) Stephens and to this union 2 sons were born.

Reid married Alice Richardson on July 1, 1972 in Bourbon, MO and celebrated 48 years together this past summer. He was an avid fisherman. He was very active in his church and taught Sunday School for over 20 years. Reid and Alice attended 1st Southern Baptist Church of Leasburg in recent years as his health allowed. He was also a member of the Bourbon American Legion for 75 years. During this time, he wrote all the eulogies of all the fallen soldiers in the area. Reid led an incredible life of service to his country and his family, and he would be the first to tell you it was his faith in Jesus Christ that got him through the good and the difficult times of his life. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Mamie Stephens; first wife Lucille Stephens; parents-in-law Herb and Tessie (Oliver) Eaton and William and Eula (Denney) Richardson; son William Ronald Stephens; brothers Virgil Stephens, Jim (Lee) Stephens, and Clarence (Rose) Stephens; sister-in-law Ida Thom; and brothers-in-law William Herman Richardson, Lawrence Ray, and Franklin (Terry) Richardson.

He is survived by his loving wife Alice Stephens of Bourbon, MO; children Mike (Donna) Stephens of Bourbon, MO, Roberta Ellen (Robert “Bob”) Kimball of St. James, MO and Alice (Ron) Dowler of Rolla, MO; daughter-in-law Donna Stephens of Blue Springs, MO; sister Florence Ray of Republic, MO; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren.

There was a private family service on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 with Bro. Terry King and Bro. Mike King officiating.  Burial was at Crossroads Cemetery, Leasburg, MO.  Memorials were suggested to First Southern Baptist Church, Leasburg, MO, St. James Caring Center or Bourbon Food Pantry.

All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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