Howard Austin Stephens

Howard A. Stephens, age 81, of Marion, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Marion, Illinois.

Howard was born December 23, 1940 in rural Johnston City, Illinois, a son of Jay and Mary E. (Penn) Stephens. He married the love of his life, Iretta J. Ferguson on November 27, 1959 in Spillertown, IL. Howard was a 1958 graduate of Marion High School. He attended SIU, earning a Masters Degree in Education. Howard worked as Teacher ,Principal and as Food Service Director during his 49 year education career. He also served his church proudly as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Choir Member. Howard loved to travel and had visited all 50 states and Japan and China. He was a collector of many things including clown figurines and nativity scenes.

Howard was a loyal member of First Baptist Church in Marion, IL and a member of Fellowship Masonic Lodge #89 AF &AM in Marion, IL.

He is survived by his wife Iretta J. Stephens of Marion, IL; three children, Howard A. (Nicole) Stephens of Marion, IL, Anthony B. Stephens of West Frankfort, IL, and Vanessa R. (Matt) Waldron of Marion, IL; ten grandchildren, Austin K. (Nicci) Stephens, Mason J. Stephens, Alex C. (Valerie) Stephens, Madelyn E. Stephens, Quentin P. Stephens, Hanna R. Humphrey, Toni Jo Holan, Graci L. Holan, Tylor C. Waldron, and Casey M. Waldron; and five great-grandchildren, Addison K. Stephens, Parker C. Stephens, Carter R. Humphrey, Vex Waldron, and Yuki Waldron. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Mary E. Stephens and his Brother & Sister In Law, Edward J. (Rachel) Stephens.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 31st, 2022 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, located at 401 West Union Street in Marion, IL. Funeral services will be follow at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Dickerson officiating. Burial with the immediate family will be private. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted the day of the service at the church or by mail to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.