Mike Stephens

Michael Rex Stephens, 77, of Morton, Il, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

He was born on March 21, 1947, in Hopedale, IL to Max and Lois Haning Stephens. 

Mike is the loving father of Michelle A. Stephens from Salinas, CA and Michael R. Stephens from Coral Springs, FL; loving grandfather to three grandchildren, Zina Roth (husband Michael Roth) of Vancouver, WA, Zarela Murray (husband Owen Murray) of Portland, OR and Maria Victoria Stephens of Key Biscayne, FL; and one great grandson Julian Murray; loving brother of Jarie Slack (deceased) of Hopedale, IL and Ron Stephens (deceased) of San Diego, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ron Stephens and sister Jarie Slack.

Mike attended both Hopedale High School and U-High Bloomington where he played baseball.  Mike graduated in 1965.  He then attended Terrell College, supported by GTE/Verizon graduating with a Masters in Telecom Operations.  After graduation Mike was hired full-time by GTE/Verizon where he worked for 38 years as an Executive of Operations.

For those who knew Mike, he was a strong and witty, vibrant, considerate and loving human being.  He coached Little League in Everett, WA for 4 years, taking his team to the pennant twice and won.  After Mike returned to Morton, IL, he re-engaged with longtime friends. He was past President of the Tremont Sons of the American Legion and Treasurer of the Tazewell Military Rights Team.  He was an avid Willie Nelson fan and a true animal lover.  He leaves behind his three dogs which he loved very much, Ace, Zoey and Shooter.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 am Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale.  There will be no visitation.  A luncheon will follow at the American Legion 24584 E. Lake Windermere Rd. Tremont, IL  61568. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The Tremont Sons of the American Legion, 24584 E Lake Windermere Rd, Tremont, IL 61568 or Hopedale Hospital, 107 Tremont St, Hopedale, IL 61747.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike Stephens, please visit our floral store.