Arthur Stephens

Arthur "Deford" Melvin Stephens age 102 years, 1 month, and 19 days of Stearns, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at his home. Funeral services were held Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Billy Duncan and Rev. Sim Thacker officiating. Burial followed in the Pine Knot Cemetery. He was born July 15, 1911 in Jamestown, Tennessee to Maynard Stephens and Letha (Hood) Stephens. Arthur was a member of the Dixie Freedom Baptist Church and was a retired Coal Miner. He enjoyed playing his harmonica, having played on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940's. Arthur enjoyed watching Cincinnati Reds Baseball and had previously worked with them as ground crew. He also enjoyed visiting and traveling. Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, Maggie Gibson, and his sons, Arthur Jr., Eugene, Glenn, Dwayne, and Jeffery Stephens. Survivors include his son, Jim Stephens and wife, Christal, of Stearns, Kentucky; and daughters, Carol Manning and husband, Walter, and Claudine Smith. Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Mr. Arthur "Deford" Stephens.