Clarence Edward Stephans

Clarence Edward Stephans, was born Dec. 3, 1926 in Joplin, Mo., the son of Elijah G. and Minnie Mary Ellen (Mitts) Stephens. He passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at the Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler, at the age of 78.

Clarence was a graduate of Rich Hill High school class of 1945. He served in World War II in Italy with the Blue Devils, Headquarters Company 88 Infantry Division. He married Sandra Jean McCray on Feb. 6, 1962, at the Blue Ridge Methodist Church of Raytown, Mo.

Clarence retired on June 26, 1987, from Ford Motor Company at Claycaomo, Mo., where he had worked for 30 years. He was a member of UAW Local 249.

He attended church at the Rich Hill United Methodist Church. Clarence loved to tend to his yard and garden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Robert Stephens. Clarence is survived by his wife, Jean Stephans of the home; one daughter, Connie Howell and husband Paul, Rich Hill; one son, Greg Stephens and wife Joyce, Nevada; two granddaughters, Angie Ducharme, Nevada, Kelly Ducharme and husband Preston, Nevada; four great-grandchildren, Jeweliah, Ethan, Edwin, and Breian Ducharme; and one nephew, Robert Stephans, Harrisonville, Mo.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Heauser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, with Bill Perkey officiating.

Musical selections "How Great Thou Art" and "I Can Only Imagine." Pallbearers are Craig Jackson, Preston Ducharme, James Howell, Jimmy Howell, Everett King and Raymond LeFever. Honorary pallbearer is Shane Norbury.

Military Rites performed by the American Legion Post No. 67

Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, Mo. Arrangements by Heauser Funeral Home, Rich Hill.