Cover photo for Jesse Eugene "Gene" Stephens's Obituary
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Jesse Eugene "Gene" Stephens

d. October 2, 2015

Jesse Eugene "Gene" Stephens

Jesse Eugene “Gene” Stephens passed away on October 2, 2015, at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.  He was 86.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Wilma (nee Jolley); children Pam Stephens Ward (Ozell), Carol Stephens England (Mark), Sandy Stephens (Bruce Byrns) and Michael Stephens (Bunita); his brother Jimmy Stephens (Emily); grandchildren Michael Ward (Flavia), Marie Ward, Grant England (Ashley), Reed England , Marlin Hueil and Rachel Schrand; and great grandchildren Enzo Ward and Mila Ward.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Lola (nee Thompson) Stephens, brother Cornell Stephens and sisters Mary Hopper and Sara Grider. 

Gene and Wilma met in Nashville, Tennessee, while both were attending business college. They married in 1950 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and enjoyed 65 years of happiness together.  Gene grew up in Kettle Creek, Kentucky, and graduated from Celina High School, Celina, Tennessee, in 1948. The first in his family to attend college, he received his business degree in 1950 from Draughons Business College with an emphasis in accounting.   

After graduation Gene began his life-long career in transportation at Southeastern Motor Freight System in Nashville and shortly thereafter was transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio. Except for a brief time with Duff Truck Lines in Dayton, Ohio, he remained with Southeastern and its successors (Johnson Freight, Terminal Transport and American Freight) throughout his career. He served as President of Cincinnati Motor Transportation Association and received much recognition as a respected leader in his field.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason with Cheviot Western Hills Lodge #140 and a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, both for over 50 years.

Gene's hobbies included bowling, golfing and following Cincinnati sports, especially his beloved Reds. No matter where they stood in the standings, for him it was always, “Go Reds!”

Gene was a godly man and strong in his faith. He was a member of the Bridgetown Church of Christ since 1962. He served as a deacon and Chairman of the Board of Deacons during the construction of the existing church building. Later he accepted the honor of serving as an elder for many years. Gene was instrumental in advancing and serving the Southwest India Christian Mission. He was a long-time friend of the mission's founder and leader. 

Devoted to family, in his later years Gene was widely regarded as the patriarch and role model for his extended family. He blessed them with the fruits of the Spirit: “...love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).”

A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 Tuesday evening October 6, 2015, at Dalbert, Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 Wednesday morning October 7, 2015, at Bridgetown Church of Christ, 3854 Race Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.

Gene practiced charity and giving. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

•             Southwest India Christian Mission, c/o Bill and Carol Klarich, 3414 40th Terrace East, Bradenton, FL 34208

•             The National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org

•             City Gospel Mission at www.citygospelmission.org

•             A charity of your choice

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Past Services

Funeral Service

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)

Bridgetown Church of Christ

3854 Race Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45211

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