Richard C. Stephens

Richard C. Stephens, 73, of Cowden, IL, passed away at 10:58 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, in Heritage Manor in Pana, IL. 

Richard was born on April 14, 1948, in Naylor, MO, the son of Charlie and Betty (King) Stephens.  Richard and Diana Braughton were married on November 20, 1984 and were blessed with 37 years of marriage.  He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur retiring in 1997 after 30 years of dedicated service.  Richard also owned and operated Richard Stephens Trucking in Cowden for 15 years.  He was a member of the Greenland Masonic Lodge #665 in Beecher City.  Richard was an outdoorsman, enjoying riding horses, camping, fishing and time spent with his family. 

He is survived by his lovely wife, Diana Stephens of Cowden; daughters:  Michelle (John) Ronek of Decatur, Renee (Dave) Rogers of Mt. Zion and Vicki Kennedy of Cowden; son, Ken Cox of Cowden; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters:  Kathy Marquis of Decatur and Teresa Willard of Decatur and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandson, Brandon and one great-granddaughter, Keeley. 

A memorial gathering for friends and family of Richard and Diana will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden.  Masonic rites will be held at 3:00 p.m. by the Greenland Masonic Lodge #665 of Beecher City followed by a memorial service with Pastor Antonio Sutton officiating.  Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden is assisting the family. 

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Richard’s honor at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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