Ronald "Butch" Stephens Obituary (1943 - 2013)

Ronald "Butch" Elden Stephens, 70, of Pana, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield. He was born September 29, 1943 in Pana, IL, the son of Eldon Parr and Betty Schafer Stephens. A graduate of Pana High School, he was employed at Caterpillar. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping in addition to spending time with the family that he loved so much. Butch was a member of Ansar Shrine; National Rifle Association; Pana Elks Lodge #1261; Jackson Masonic Lodge #53, Shelbyville; and United Auto Workers Local 751. Ronald Stephens married Donna Galvin Thompson, the love of his life, on February 13, 1971. She survives in Pana as well as his children: Bridget (Jerry) Ostler, Lehi, Utah; Stephanie (Cris) Fryer, Lake Point, Utah; Brandi (Greg) Conrad, Danforth, Illinois; Sonja (Denny) Lawrence, Pana, Illinois; Brenda (Beef) Chernisky, Pana, Illinois; Alan Thompson, Pana, Illinois; Brian (Deanna) Thompson, Pana, Illinois; daughter-in-law: Becky Thompson, Kingsville, Missouri; 28 grandchildren: Casey, Austin, Jarred, Brittany, John, DJ, Courtney, Job, Bailey, Elizabeth, Natalie, Mason, Shane, Shelby, David, Brock, Robbie, Jon, Kelli, Derek, Daniel, Tommy, Kylie, Bree, Brooke, Bryce, Ariah and Aislyn; 11 Great grandchildren: Kayton, McCoy, Whitney, Morgan, Cain, Destinee, Becca, Kegan, Lane, Ryan, Wyatt; 2 great great grandchildren: Whalin and Maycelynn; his mother: Betty Stephens, Pana, Illinois; sister: Annie (Larry)Worker, Pana, Illinois; and by his nephews: Dean (Pam) Cutler, Duane Cutler and Curtis Worker (Dana). He was preceded in death by his father and his son Michael Thompson. Funeral Information Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with Elks rites at 8 p.m. followed by Masonic rites. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 4, 2014 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. John Sliger officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana.