Earlon Ray Stephens

Earlon Ray Stephens, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home.  He was 85 years of age.

Born September 27, 1939, in Somerset, he was a son of the late Jackson and Novella Meece Stephens. Earlon joined the United States Navy at the young age of 17.   He dedicated thirty years of service to his country, working as an Aviation Safety Mechanic, as well as becoming an instructor, and earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer.  Being no stranger to hard work, after his retirement from the military, he continued working another twenty years at Stihl Incorporated, in Virgina Beach.

Survivors include a daughter, Teresa (and Doug) Raines, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; four brothers, Rollin Stephens, of Argyle, Jerry Stephens, of Cleveland, Ohio, Terry (and Maria) Stephens, of Flatwoods, and Roger (and Anna) Stephens, of Russell Springs; three sisters, Barbara Bertram, of Louisville, Norma (and Steve) Mason, of Franklin, Indiana, and Joanne Tucker, of Ohio; two grandchildren, Corey Raines and Chelsea Raines; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Frances Irene Charlton Stephens; three brothers, Fred Stephens, James Ralph Stephens, and Oral Gene Stephens; and five sisters, Lucille Eads, Christine Coffey, Virginia Ballew, Jacqueline Claxton, and Lois Garner.

Funeral services are 12:00 PM CST Monday, December 23, 2024, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Gerald Burton officiating.  Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery.  Full military honors will be performed by the Russell County Honor Guard.

Visitation will begin at 8:30 AM CST Monday, and continue until time of services, at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements for Earlon Ray Stephens are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

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