Ernest G. Stephens

Earnest was born in New Madrid, MO. A son of cotton farmers. After High School graduation moved to St. Louis to find work. Later he and his friend James Autry hitch hiked across the United States. In 1962 he joined the U.S. Air Force and retired after 26 years in 1987 from Scott Air Force Base. After retirement he worked for Civil Service at Goodfellow. In 1995 he was moved to Huntsville, AL. In 2013 he retired after working in Civil Service for 26 years. He retired out of Red Stone Arsenal. After retirement he moved to Belleville, IL to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Orbis L. and Ella M (Whitmire) and sister – Coreen (Camp).

He is survived by his wife – Thelma (Willett). His Daughters – Lisa and Michael (Sanders), Barbara and Michael (Taylor). Grandchildren – Bailey, Alexis, Devon, and Stevie. Brothers – Glenn and Loren (Charlotte). Sisters – Pat (Hines), Jean ( Mitchell) and Reva Vaughn (Jimmy). Also, several nieces and nephews.

Ernie was very proud to have served his country in the Air Force and bragged that he had been in every state in the United States. He loved flying and airplanes. He tried to get his private license several times but would get stationed somewhere else before he could finish. If you talked very long with him, you would hear him brag on his daughters and grandchildren. He always recognized his daughters and wife up to the end and would open his eyes for them. He also enjoyed movies and old westerns. He was a Master Mason and was a Past Master of Lebanon Lodge in Lebanon, IL. He also served there as Associate Bethel Guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel #92. For O’Fallon Chapter of DeMolay he served on the Advisory Board.

Ernie was a member of First Christian Church of Belleville. Before leaving Huntsville, AL he served for many years as a Deacon at Woodland Hill Baptist Church.