Billy D. Stephens

Billy Dexter Stephens, 89, left from his Port William home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 12, 2018. 

Billy was born on March 18, 1928, in Port William.  He was the oldest child of W.C. and Carlene Stephens, and was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Stephens. 

Left to cherish his memory is a daughter, Shelley (Mike) Keiter of Wilmington; a son, Randy (Barb) Stephens of Bozeman, MT; and five grandchildren: Scott (Courtney) Hayden of Wilmington, Sara (JT) Cassell of Beavercreek, Joseph Keiter and Matthew (Amber) Keiter both of Wilmington, and Mallory Hayes of Billings, MT.  A brother, Cy (Joan) Stephens and sister, Mary Ann Burton all of Wilmington, along with several nieces and nephews also survive. 

Billy’s life revolved around his family, church, and friends.  He was a devoted husband and father and a friend to all.  He lived in and near Port William all of his life, graduated from Port William High School and attended Wilmington College.  Billy married his wife, Marilyn, on September 9, 1951, right before he left for Germany, where he served as a Sgt. in the US Army until 1953. 

Billy and his brother, Cy, owned and operated Stephens Hardware in Port William, where he worked for 45 years, before retiring in 1992. 

As a member of the Port William United Methodist Church, Billy served as Sunday School Superintendent for a few years and was always faithful to attend.  He participated in and enjoyed many church functions, one of which was an outreach program with the Juvenile Correctional Center in Xenia. 

Billy also serviced as Clerk of Liberty Township and was a 50 year charter member of the Port William Lions Club.  He was chosen to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. for his military service. 

As a husband and father, he was loving and devoted to his family, always going out of his way to be helpful and supportive.  He was an extremely talented wood carver, an avid fisherman, and, in his younger days, he enjoyed bowling, hunting, tennis, and photography.  Up until his death, he enjoyed golfing with his good friends twice a week.  Most importantly, Billy was a man of faith and loyal to the Lord.  He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Port William United Methodist Church. 

Family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Port William United Methodist Church, from 10-12Noon, when a funeral service will begin.  Burial to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Port William. 

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