Robert Lester Stephens
Robert Lester Stephens, 94, of Load, Kentucky went to be with the Lord, Saturday, December 16, 2017 at River’s Bend Health Care in South Point, Ohio.
Lester was born October 18, 1923 in Greenup County, Kentucky a son of the late Tom and Anna Marshall Stephens. He was a member of Load Enterprise Baptist Church on Little White Oak Road in Load. In addition to retiring from CSX railroad, he spent his days plowing, keeping bees, chopping wood, and planning his next fishing trip to Canada. He traveled to Canada annually for nearly 40 years.
He honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He spent much time in the battles of the South Pacific, receiving close calls on his life and burns to his hands. He became an underwater demolition technician, so that he could send an extra $100 home to his mother each month. He was a Proud War Veteran, telling stories about his time on the USS Louisville--the "Lady Lou." After traveling the world and marrying the former Betty Harvey in Oregon, he returned to Kentucky. He loved Kentucky, which he called the "Promised Land," living near "Beloved" Tygart's Creek.
He loved the land and his family dearly, and taught his grandchildren a lifetime of hard work, practicality, and integrity through his actions. In his later years, he enjoyed log cabin living with his loving wife, Elsie. For years, Lester and Elsie were inseparable.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Betty Harvey Stephens
one daughter
Patsy Stephens Hensley
one daughter in law
Sharon Stephens
two brothers
Arthur Stephens
Jimmy Stephens
two sisters
Mickie Stephens
Patty Stephens
one step-brother
Clyde Stephens
He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years Elsie Darnell Stephens
three sons
Robert Joseph Stephens
Roy David Stephens
John Lee Stephens all of Load, Kentucky
one daughter
Linda and Bill Clark of Ashland, Kentucky
one step-daughter
Brenda and Denny Brideweser of Sidney, Ohio
one brother Johnny Stephens of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
two sisters
Ruth Boggs
Dorothy Adkins both of Load, Kentucky
A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family is thankful for Hospice care received over the preceding months.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky, by his grandson, Pastor Joseph Stephens. Burial will be in the Quillen Cemetery at Lynn, Kentucky. Military rites will be performed by Marine Corps League Greenbo Detachment #1345. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday and one hour before the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com.
