Obituary of Howard Stephens

Howard Thomas ?Steve? Stephens, Jr., 87, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, March 21, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 25, 1924. Steve was the son of Emma Tuggle Stephens and Howard Thomas Stephens, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Angeline Adams Stephens and his son Barry (Mary), daughters Glenda (John) Fort and Angela Stacey, grandchildren Anthony Stephens, Gregory (Jana) Stephens, Kimberly (Jimmy) Thomas, Stephen Petsch, Elizabeth Stacey and Laura Stacey, and great-grandchildren Baylee Stephens, Nash Stephens and Hannah Thomas. Steve is also survived by special nephews and nieces Shirley Fleshman, Loretta Brown, Dorothy Fink, and Richard Beard, all of Lynchburg, and Pam Beresford, Patti Hurlbert, and Mark Stephens from Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard Stephens, Sr. And Erma Stephens, his son Howard Thomas ?Tommy? Stephens III, and six brothers and sisters. After attending E.C. Glass High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a B-17 Radio Operator/Waist Gunner in the 569th Squadron of the 390th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. Attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, he flew 25 bombing missions over Europe from November of 1943 through February of 1944, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, European Theater of Operations with One Bronze Star, and Presidential Citation. He was one of Lynchburg?s most decorated World War II service veterans. Steve was a retired U. S. Postal letter carrier in Lynchburg and Melbourne, Florida. After retirement from the postal service, he owned the Oceanside Motel & Apartments in Indiatlantic, Florida. He also was the former owner of the Koffee Kup Restaurant in Lynchburg. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Elks, and the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Museum Foundation. He was an active member of Timberlake United Methodist Church. A true southern gentlemen, Steve never met a stranger and was truly a joy to be around. His many stories and ?Dadism? sayings were as entertaining to his family, friends and customers at the Koffee Kup as they were original. Steve will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. A Celebration of Steve?s Life and Faith will be held 1:00 PM Friday, March 25, 2011 at Timberlake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Bryant and the Rev. Larry Davies officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by Steve?s comrades from American Legion Post 16. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 PM Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel and at other times at the home of Steve and Angeline, 1025 Farfields Dr., Lynchburg. A reception for family and friends will take place at Timberlake United Methodist Church following the interment service at the cemetery.