Robert Dale Stephens, 57, of Smithland, Ky., passed away at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Lourdes, Ky.
Robert was a proud husband, father and grandfather and had a strong Christian faith. His relationship with the Lord was the most important aspect of his life. His sincere desire was that everyone would choose to have a relationship with Jesus.
He had worked at Link Auto Supply, West Plains Propane, was a boilermaker and a construction safety officer. Robert was a U.S. Navy veteran having served on the USS Lang and USS Denver. Robert loved history, bib overalls, practical jokes, being outdoors, the Ozarks, small stream fishing, Ed Bassmaster videos, America, Mtn. Dew, crab Rangoon, snorkeling, bold, black coffee, black cattle, riding ATVs at Cloud 9 Ranch, the Bee Gees, rock music, southern gospel and bluegrass, encouraging others and his French bulldog, Beaux.
Robert is survived by his wife, Kathy Jo Rushing Stephens, the navigator of his adventures, the director of his safety business, his master chef and the love of his life; a son, Corey Dale Stephens of West Plains, Mo.; stepdaughter, Danielle Jonae Rueter of Fort Worth, Texas; stepson, Joshua Matthew Rueter of Boise, Idaho; three grandsons, Kohen Dale Stephens of Joplin, Mo., Evan Jace Stephens and Brayden Roberts both of West Plains, Mo.; a brother, David Wayne Stephens of Thompson, Mo.; half brother, Ronnie Sykes of Houlka, Miss.; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at His Place Church, 1849 County Road 6460 West Plains, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Cancer Treatment Centers of America thru Southeastern Assistance in Healthcare at newnan.aih.org/donate.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of local arrangements.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle of remembrance at www.milnerandorr.com
