Obituary:Tom Stephens

Posted on November 19, 2018
Tom Stephens(PHOTO:Duffy Pils Memorial Home)

 

FORREST– Thomas Allen Stephens, 83 of Forrest, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 as a result of a single vehicle accident.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm, Monday, November 19, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with a Masonic Service at 7:00pm.  His funeral will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Forrest United Methodist Church with Pastor Lynette Barnett officiating.  A second visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will follow at Forrest Twp. Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Baby Fold in Bloomington or the Cunningham Children’s Home in Champaign.

Tom was born May 20, 1935 in Pleasant Ridge Twp., the youngest of 8 children the son of Shelby and Clella Perkins Stephens.  He married Carolyn Rinkenberger on February 22, 1959 in Gridley.  She survives in Forrest.

Also surviving are his children, Diane (Ken) Toman of Lady Lake, FL and Lisa (Kevin) Edelman of Forrest; three grandsons, Jason (Gina) Maurer and Darren (Sara) Maurer all of Fairbury and Daniel Maurer of Bloomington; four great-grandchildren.  The Stephens’ also hosted foreign exchange students Elisabeth Hammer and Hubbie Walkner both of Austria.  He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Tom farmed in the Wing area for 41 years and was a part time truck driver for Trainor Grain.  He was a member of the Tarbolten Masonic Lodge, Forrest United Methodist Church, Knoll Lodge, Fairbury and served many years as a trustee for Forrest Township.

Tom enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling and spending time with his many friends.

 A guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

 

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