Charles E. Stephens

Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home handling arrangements.

Charles passed away Saturday in a local nursing home. He was a long time owner and operator of Stephens Funeral Home where he compassionately assisted many families for over 60 plus years. He was a graduate of Meridian High School, Meridian Community College, attended the University of Alabama where he served as Drum Major of The Million Dollar Band, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and graduate of the National Foundation of Funeral Service, School of Management. He was a dedicated Boy Scout earning the Distinguished Eagle, Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Good Shepherd Award and a member of the National Jamboree Staff. Charles was one of the first Scouts in the Choctaw Area Council to earn the God and Country Award. He served as Scoutmaster, District Chairman, Council President, Endowment Chairman and Executive Board Member. His other interest were the Salvation Army Board, member of the Meridian Lions Club, Mississippi Funeral Directors Association where he served as President, Vice President, Secretary and elected as Funeral Director of the Year, National Funeral Directors Association where he served on several committees, United Way Board, Northtowne Meridian Business Association Treasurer, Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service, Mason and Shriner. His church activities include ordained deacon, Sunday School and committee member of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Sondra Christian Stephens of Meridian, children Susan (Mike) Beesely of Meridian, Karyn (Greg) Kendrick of Mildon, FL, Ronnie (Amy) Stephens of Port Allen, LA, Kathy (Pat) Casey of Collierville, TN, Richard Sims of Pensacola, FL and Christi (Tyler) Akers of Gulfport, MS. Charles also leaves 15 grandchildren, Michael (Judith) Beesley, Katy (James) Cottles and Hunter (Chelsy)Beesley all of Meridian, Colton Stephens of Northridge, CA, Lexi Stephens of Port Allen, LA, Chance Stephens of Mississippi State, MS, Masa (Dillon) Hensley of Columbus, MS, Reid Floore of Mobile , Anna Karis Floore of Milton, FL, Hollie (Brad) Buchanan of Pell City, AL, Lt. Adam Casey of Vicenza, Italy, Sarah Casey of Collierville, TN, Beth Casey of Murphreesboro, TN, John Tyler Akers, Sims Akers of Gulfport and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vance Eugene and Mabel Alice Stephens. Grandsons and grandsons in law will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will continue until service time on Tuesday.