Howard – Fred W. Stephens, 89, died at home on July 16, 2025.
Fred was born in Mineral City on November 17, 1935. He was a career Air Force veteran, and also worked for 20 years at the Millwood Sand Plant. His wife, Joanna (Miller) Stephens, preceded him in death as well as his parents, Herman and Adline (Mabry) Stephens; an infant daughter, Shannon; and son-in-law, Thorney Kirk.
He is survived by his children, Dianna (Jerry) Drake of Texas, Julie Kirk of Howard, Timothy (Vickie) Stephens of Howard; grandchildren, Eric (Carrie) Moreno, Nikki Moreno, Jerry (Kelly) Drake, Jr., Shannon (Chad) Frost, Crystal (Andrew) Harding, and Jason (Kristy) Kirk; several great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
Fred and Joanna will be buried together in Bethel Cemetery in Butler Township, 7491 Bethel Rd. Gambier 43022, with military rites performed by the Knox County Veterans Council Honor Guard, on Saturday August 2, at 11:00 a.m.