Dewayne Roy Stephens

DeWayne Roy Stephens, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home in Alger, MI on Monday, March 5, 2018. He was born on February 22, 1931 and was the son of Roy and Mary Jane (Armond) Stephens. He graduated Kearsley High, class of 1949, then enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Newport News stationed out of Norfolk Virginia. He served in the Korean War and was in many ports on the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged after 8 years. When he returned home after the war, he restarted his career with Buick Motor Division and worked hard to become a skilled trades millwright. DeWayne met and married his first love, Amy Jean Clark and they moved to Burton, MI. Their family grew to four children: David, Kevin, Scott, and Lisa. The family enjoyed spending time together and their many trips up north to Barryton on Lake Martini.

After Amy Jean passed, he met a new friend in 1983, Mareta Spaulding Norris and fell in love. DeWayne and Mareta were married in 1994. In their golden years, they traveled to many states including Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Washington but decided to spend their winters in Florida helping DeWayne’s mother in Zephyrhills. After their travels, DeWayne and Mareta moved to Alger, MI where they built their home and enjoyed their life together.

DeWayne enjoyed anything outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his cousins and family members in Alger on the old family farm. During his later years, he loved to camp with his family. He was always on the ready line when his kids wanted to go camping. On the camping trips, the family would spend time at campfires reminiscing and planning the next camping trip. DeWayne loved living every day.

One of DeWayne’s closest group of friends could be found gathering at the West Branch Family Fare every morning for coffee and a donut. They talked and teased each other and discussed and settled the affairs of the world.

DeWayne belonged to many organizations including Masonic Lodge Flint, MI #490 Fellowship, Moose Lodge Zephyrhills, FL Lodge #2276, and American Legion Post Skidway, MI Lodge #0225.

DeWayne is survived by wife, Mareta; son, Kevin (Janet L); daughter, Lisa (Todd) Borck; and granddaughters, Amy Davis and Janet E. Stephens. He is also survived by his step children, Janelle (Tom) Wellington, Craig (LuAnne) Norris, and Scott Norris; step grandfather to Dani Davis, Andrea (Andy) Evancho, Mike Borck, and Josh Borck; great grandfather to Ayven, Asher, and Vivian; and Mareta’s family of 9 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

DeWayne is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Amy Jean; sons, David (Debbie) and Scott; and grandson, Matthew.

As he often said, “It has been a good ride!”

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Tim Lambert will officiate.

Memorial Contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com