John Edward Stephens, age 79 of Salem, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at his home.
John was born on June 15, 1946, in Vandalia, Illinois, the son of Andrew Jonathan and Helen Louella (Rubin) Stephens. He married Phyllis Irene Stephens on February 4, 1966, in Salem, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on August 15, 2023.
Survivors include his children, Jennifer Roshell Crundwell and husband Greg of Salem and John Allen Stephens and wife Lydia Kay of Alma; four grandchildren, Jaret Crundwell and wife Emily, Andrew Crundwell and wife Jacqlyn, Kamy Vail and husband Robby, and Kacey Garden and husband Brett; four great grandchildren, Riley, Dacey, Jasper, and Colter; and special caregiver, Cathy Marble.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Helen; wife, Phyllis; and brother, Thomas Stephens.
John was a dedicated member of the Apostolic Church of Salem. He served his country in the United States Navy. John had worked as a millwright and carpenter, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in the early 80’s ran Stephen’s Strawberry Patch and Pumpkin Patch.
Funeral services for John Edward Stephens will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Sandy Branch Cemetery in Kinmundy with Military Rites by the Salem American Legion. Memorial contributions can be made to Sandy Branch Cemetery and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
