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In memory of

Arthur D Stephens Sr

Lakeside, Ca

November 16, 1926 - September 25, 2018

Nov 16, 1926 - Sep 25, 2018

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Arthur Drew Stephens Sr, 91yrs old went to be with the Lord the morning of September 25 2018 at in his home with his wife Gert Larson at his side in Lakeside Ca.

Born in Chicago November 16, 1926 to Arthur Drew & Thelma Stephens. Brother to Donald E. Stephens, Ralph Stephens and step brother to Robert (Joan) Green and step sister Deloris (Pete) Drozt.

True friends and co-parent with Darlene C. Mukite -Stephens- Oyer and Frederick S. Oyer. Devoted Father of Christine A. Stephens of Crystal Lake, IL and Arthur Drew Stephens Jr.(Bonnie) of Prairie Grove, IL, step-son Robert Larson (Cindy) of Granite Hills, Ca, stepdaughter Linda Bloodgood (Lemon Grove, Ca). Loving Grandfather to Evanee & Jonathan Stephens, Olivia (Tom) Radovich, Step-Grandfather to Eric & Samantha Larson, Cynthia (son Anand), Brenda (daughter Morgan), Julie (husband Rafal) & Lisa Bloodgood. He recently was blessed with a visit from his son Arthur Jr. to share that he was going to be a great grandfather next March of 2019. He took on a supporting and influential role in many lives of younger very special family members Christopher E. Berry and Thomas G. Mukite and many more in his life. Loving uncle to many.

Arthur attended East Leyden high school in Franklin Park, IL, Ripon College in Wisconsin and then enlisted in the Army during WWII 349th 88th infantry as the infantry leader and was part of the “Blue Devils” who helped to end the war serving in Italy as 1st LT and then went on to join National Guard as Captain.

He worked for Simpson electric Co where he met and married the mother of his children Darlene Stephens-Oyer and worked alongside his mother in law Betty Nicholas, brother in law James (Lou) Mukite, niece Lynda Mukite and then went on to Larson Instrument Co. in Orangeburg New York where he mentored his step son Robert and was then was excited to be joined by his son Arthur Jr. to move Larson instrument Co and merge a newly purchased company creating “Larson/Metercraft” in the San Diego area and did not retire until September 2017.

He enjoyed aviation, dog training taking part in many dog shows, the Chicago Bears, community serving groups such as the Lions Clubs, church fund raisers, dancing, baking, Ham Radio, troubleshooting just about anything electronic or mechanical, crossword puzzles, swimming, classic black & white movies, music, travel and time with family and friends. You always knew he was near as he whistled or sang his favorite songs whatever he was doing.

Arthur Sr. never met a stranger and engaged happily with whomever was present but his favorite people were always the children.

Despite living out of state he was a faithful visitor to his family in the Chicago area almost monthly for 40yrs until he could no longer travel due to medical limitations doing his best to be present for his children and grandchildrens birthdays as was possible.

He is honored at the WWII Army Museum in Virginia for his service. There was a private service at Mira Mar Military Cemetery in California and will receive a full military ceremony on October 4, 2018.

In lieu of monetary gifts or flowers his children ask that you instead invest into your family deeply and relationships and share the Love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. All that we attain in this world will be left behind and the only thing we can take with us are the people we love based on the grace of God. Call upon the name of Jesus and you will be saved. It is free choice God gives us and He loves us enough to have sent His Son to die and pay the price of our sins. Have faith that He is the Truth, the Way and The life and none of us can come to the Father except through Him into eternal life. God bless you all for you love, prayers and support. Trust His Word and have faith that we will see each other again. Peace.

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