William "Bill" Edwin Stephens, age 69, of Reeds Spring, MO., was born in Dixon, MO. on December 7, 1955 to Jim and Lola (Robertson) Stephens.  Bill went to his eternal home on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Bill married the love of his life Joanie (Pritchard) on December 7, 1974.  They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on December 7, 2024.

Bill attended Galena Schools where he participated in basketball and track.  He graduated from Galena High School in 1974.  He worked at the Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield, MO., in the literature mail department.  He was later employed by the City of Branson, working on the road crew and later as a water treatment operator.  He retired from the City of Branson in 2010 after 26 years of dedicated service.  He then worked as a bus driver for the Nixa School District before working for the Galena School District for 13 years.

Bill was a man of strong faith who taught the importance of family, hard work and doing the right thing.  He and his wife were co-directors of a children's outreach ministry for 12 years at Living Word Church in Branson West, MO.  Bill also served in children's church, as a bus driver, an usher and on the safety team.

Bill was a cherished individual and his humorous personality will be missed.  He had a love for playing guitar, hunting, fishing and telling jokes to everyone who would listen.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joanie Stephens of Reeds Spring; two sons, Les Stephens and wife, Elisha of San Antonio, TX., Kevin Stephens of Springfield, MO., four grandchildren, Derek Stephens and wife, Ana; Ivan Stephens; Nylah (Stephens) Barratt and husband Kevin; and Celia Stephens, all who reside in San Antonio, TX; two great-grandsons, Noel and Carter Stephens; and a forthcoming great-grandson to be born in May.  Bill is also survived by his sister, Peggy Reeves, of Spokane, MO.  Bill will be fondly remembered by a host of family and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lola Stephens; a sister, Linda Rose Nowack; and brother, Erick Stephens.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Living Word Church, Branson West, MO.  The service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, following the visitation at the Living Word Church.  Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Crane, MO.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.

Bill will be greatly missed and forever reside in our hearts.