Joe C. Stephenson

Joe C. Stephenson, age 84, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Saturday, June 5, 2010. He was born on Tuesday, April 27, 1926, in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. He was the son of Arthur F. and Jeannette (Wightman) Stephenson. He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa. Joe graduated from Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. He was a sales representative for 3M Company for thirty-one years, retiring in 1982. He covered four or five states in the Midwest, including Kansas, contracting mainly with railroads, airlines, and the state. Joe had an appointment to West Point but chose enlistment in the United States Air Force. He served during World War II and Korean War, receiving medals and citations including American Theater Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of Kemper Rifle Team; Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Williamsburg Wildlife Club; and former member of Ottawa Lodge #18, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. He was a competitive target shooter and accomplished marksman, as well as a well respected gunsmith, working with people nationwide. He was also working towards his private pilot instructor’s license, which he was just a few hours short of achieving. On August 18, 1946, Joe was united in marriage with Rosemarie “Rose” Patterson, in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. SERVICES: Graveside Inurnment Services will be held at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Richmond Healthcare Rehabilitation & Alzheimer’s Unit or memorial of contributor’s choice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.