Thomas P. Stephens

Thomas P. Stephens 86, of DeKalb died Sunday October 8, 2017 at DeKalb County Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born August 28, 1931 in Champaign, IL and was the son of Lewis and Mary (Blackard) Stephens.
Thomas enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a 17 year old junior in high school; served briefly on the new Aircraft Carrier USS Midway. Then Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in Okinawa and Philippines from November of 1951- September of 1955.
He married Marilyn J. Snyder on March 29, 1952 in Aurora, IL. He graduated from Aurora University with a B.S. in Business Administration and then from NIU with a M.S. and CAS school of Business Administration. Thomas worked in Public School Administration and also promoted and sold bikes for a retail bike shop.
Survivors include; wife Marilyn of DeKalb, children; Robert Lewis Stephens of Costa Rica, Kathryn Ann (Stephens) Thompson of DeKalb, and William Charles Stephens of DeKalb. Grandchildren; Brandon Mark (Amanda) Thompson of DeKalb, Zachary Paul Wollensak of DeKalb and Shelly Marie Stephens of Hanover Park, IL. Great-grandchildren; Noah Dier-Zimmel, Jacob Mark Thompson, and Lucas Patrick Thompson all of DeKalb and Kaylin Jade Van Orden and Ronin Alexander Von Orden both of Hanover Park, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; Francis Lewis Stephens, William Keith Stephens and sisters; Mary Elizabeth Berry and Helen Louise Farrow.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:30pm at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb with Reverend Joseph Gastiger and Reverend Judy Harris officiating. A family reception will be held at 6:30 pm in the church prior to the Memorial Service. Burial will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:00am at Oakwood Cemetery in DeKalb. Cremation was handled by Finch Crematory. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.