Fred W. Stephenson, 84, Jonesboro, went to be with the Lord at 12:40 a.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018, at Autumn Ridge Nursing Home in Wabash. He was born in Upland on November 5, 1933, to the late Herschel Stephenson, Sr., and Elizabeth Lucille (Briles) Monroe. On May 31, 1957, he married his loving bride, Patricia Heath, and she survives.
Fred graduated from Jefferson Township High School and was actively involved with baseball, softball, and basketball. He went on to play as a semi-pro with the Twin City Bankers baseball team, which was inducted into the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame. Fred served his country in the U.S. Army and, following his military service, worked at Vectren, serving as Leak Crew to Superintendent for 45 years until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of American Legion Post #138 in Upland and was involved in Flag Day. Fred was also a member of Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City.
His love for sports did not wane throughout his life. He coached 3-Way Recreation baseball in Gas City and Jonesboro. He also played golf in his latter years and traveled to Myrtle Beach with his golfing buddies to play the courses there. He enjoyed assembling model cars, being with his dog, Emmie Lou, and attending family functions and events.
He will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Patricia; son, Mark (Karen) Stephenson, New Castle; daughter, Jill (Bill) Colwell, Greentown; 4 grandchildren, Sara (Ethan) Mahoney, North Carolina, Katy Stephenson, Fishers, Justin (Melia) Colwell, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Logan (Jodi) Colwell, Tipton; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews and 1 niece.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Herschel Stephenson, Junior.
The family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at Eastview Wesleyan Church, 414 N. 10th St., Gas City, IN.
Services to celebrate Fred’s life will be held at 12 noon on Friday, October 12, 2018, at the church with Pastor Mark Atkinson officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Cemetery in Upland.
Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post #138, P.O. Box 628, Upland, IN 46989.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.