Richard Stephens

Charles Richard Stephens, 84, of Mexico, died at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Golden Living Center/Pin Oaks in Mexico.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2009 at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Ostrom officiating. Visitation will be Friday, from 11 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be in the Auxvasse Cemetery.

He was born November 21, 1924, in rural Auxvasse, a son of Reuel B. and Myrtle Belle (Dudley) Stephens. He married his wife of 62 years, Virginia Helen Giboney, on March 22, 1947, in Fulton, she survives.

Mr. Stephens was a veteran serving in the Army during World War II as a sergeant with the 86th Mountain Infantry in Po Valley, Italy. He received the Bronze Star medal and European African Middle Eastern Service medal.

Richard was a self employed excavator for 56 years. He was in business with his brother Clark and later with his son, Mike. He dug many basements, sewer, and water lines in the city as well as in Audrain County and surrounding counties. There were also many cold days and nights pushing snow off the Plaza parking lot so that customers had access to their favorite store.

In addition to his wife, Virginia, survivors include one son, Mike Stephens, Lake Wales Fla. and Mexico; one daughter, Barbara (Jeannie) Dodge and husband Dave, Auburn, Wash.; one granddaughter, Jennifer Frisbie and husband Jonathan, Jefferson City; two great-granddaughters, Lilly and Henley Frisbie; one Brother Jesse Stephens and wife Rita, Kingdom City; two sisters Pauline Shiverdecker, Fulton; Lucile Lindsay, Pueblo, Co.; one sister-in-law Pearl Stephens, Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by two brothers, Clark Stephens and an infant brother.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.