William Stephen, Sr.

William Joseph "Bill" Stephen, Sr., age 81, of Kenoma, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 16, 2013, at his home.      Bill was born August 5, 1931 at Gloucester Heights, New Jersey, one of the four children of Peter and Ann (Gibbs) Stephen.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Peter G. Stephen, Jr.; and two sisters, Mildred Jenniss and Rhoda Stephen.      After serving as a master mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 through 1954, Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1955.  During his four-year tour of Navel duty, he was stationed in Guam and served aboard the USS Rehoboth.  Returning to civilian life in New Jersey, Bill worked for more than 20 years for Certainteed Fiberglass, Mantua Metals and Tyco Industries, a subsidiary of Tyler & Company.  Moving to Barton County in 1982, Bill worked for the Missouri Highway Department in Liberal for ten years.  After retiring in 1992, Bill had more time to devote to model railroads, gardening, fishing, raising chickens and enjoying his grandchildren.  Many will remember him from the Farmer's Market where he sold eggs and birdhouses.  He was an active member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church and a former member of Jasper V.F.W. Post 6415.      On June 10, 1972, at Almonesson, New Jersey, Bill married Dorothy Elizabeth Rahne and she survives, of the home.  Also surviving are three sons, Billy, Jr. & Jessie Stephen, Arcola and their children Isaiah and Ikeisha; Vaughn & Renee Stephen, Lamar, and their children, Brayden, Rein, and Lexy; and Jason Stephen, of the home.  He also leaves a brother-in-law, Charles & Pam Rahme, Williamstown, New Jersey; a sister-in-law, Barbara Jackson, Carthage; and many nephews and nieces.      A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18th at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday.  Military honors will be conducted by Jasper V.F.W. Post 6415.