Jack Stephenson

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one, Jack Stephenson, 82, of Georgetown on Saturday, August 30, 2014. He was born in Maysville, Indiana on April 25, 1932, to Allen C. and Margaret E. (Grider) Stephenson. He graduated from Georgetown High School Class of 1950. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1950-1954. He went to Phoenix, AZ to be with his family and attended Arizona State University. But something was missing from his life and he found himself back in Georgetown. While attending a Youth Center Dance in July of 55, he met his “livin doll”, Sandy Campbell. They were married on June 29, 1958; continuing to dance throughout life together, and in later years dancing in the kitchen to their favorite songs on the radio. Surviving family members include: his devoted wife, Sandy; daughter, Amy Lyn (Tim) Steeples; grandson, Cody Allen (Kelci) Steeples; and “adopted” daughters Cindi, Karla, Darla, Lori, and Susan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother James Allen; also Heidi, Mandy, and Molly. Jack was a passionate outdoorsman taking his kids for walks in the woods, forever instilling with them a love for nature; mushroom and rock hunting, and wading in the creek. He enjoyed bowhunting deer with his handcrafted bows and arrows. He was a craftsman, both of many pieces of fine furniture and in replicating primitive Indian artifacts, some of which are on display at Forest Glen and Kennekuk County Parks. Sandy and he volunteered at Pinecrest Pioneer Day and Forest Glen Homestead Cabin, displaying and interpreting his variety of Indian arrowheads, tools, and necklaces. These items were shown on his bearskin rug from his successful archery hunt in Canada. Jack was employed at the Veterans Administration Medical Center for 32 years; twenty years as a nursing assistant, then enjoying twelve years in the engineering department performing all types of maintenance and as a locksmith, retiring in 1987. During this time, for several years, he worked for the City of Georgetown as a water meter reader, and made many “doggie friends”. He loved his family and was pleased to be Amys Daddy, Tims father-in-law and Codys Papa. He considered Tim his son, and Cody was the light of his life in so many ways. Jacks heart belonged to his soul mate and sweetheart of 59 years. He was an avid sports fan of any team that included Cody and his friends. Anytime there was a game of soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, or football, he was there watching from his lawn chair. Codys Papa and cheernana were a familiar favorite at these events and much-loved fans. As a “Jack-of-all-Trades” he designed and built two houses, one in town and another in the country. These homes were filled with loving happy memories of raising Amy, family gatherings, and many joyous times with friends young and old throughout the years. Keep these memories close in your hearts, as we will too. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Jacks name to Forest Glen Preserve, 20301 E 900 N Rd., Westville, IL 61883; or the National Parkinsons Foundation, 200 S. 1st St., Miami FL 33131; or Carle Hospice Care. A celebration of life funeral service for Jack will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday September 3, 2014 at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Pastor Matt Filicsky officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday September 2, 2014 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Forest Park cemetery in Georgetown. Military Honors will be performed by the Georgetown American Legion Dornblaser Post #203.