John K. Stephenson, age 94, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020. John was born May 26, 1925 the son of Jonathan and Gladys Stephenson. Surviving are his daughters, Betty Jo (Mark) Lange, Sue Ann Stephenson, Mary (Robert) Hutchins, and Kathy (Gruhn) Ward (Tim); 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Chuck) Crockett; sister-in-law, Ann Churchill; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of almost 60 years in 2008, Betty Jean (Churchill) Stephenson; brother, Don Stephenson. John was a Sergeant in the united States Marine Corps, serving as a torpedo mechanic in the Pacific Theater during World War II. John was a member of the Rotary Club of Lansing, joining January 29, 1971. He was an active member of Boy Scouts of America with the Chief Okemos Council, and was Troop Master for Troop 26 at First United Methodist Church, earning the Silver Beaver Award. He worked for the Lansing Lithographers for 40 years, going from Apprentice to Company President. For many years he was an active member of First United Methodist Church. Following his retirement he volunteered at Ingham Medical Center installing Lifelines, making popcorn and working the coffee bar. He and Betty enjoyed traveling with their church family on many camping adventures. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, 48912. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, and on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. |