Rufus J. Stephens - Age 79 - of Empire, Ohio died Monday, December 17, 2001 at his residence of natural causes.
He was born May 23, 1922 in Claremont, Georgia the son of the late John and Beulah Cain Stephens.
Rufus was a member of the Empire United Methodist Church - Empire, Ohio.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and was a former member of the Empire Volunteer Fire Department.
Rufus was a veteran of W.W.II serving in the U.S. Army.
He was retired as a truck driver for the former Sheets Trucking Company of Empire. Rufus was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Oneida M. Hartline Stephens who passed away June 2, 1996 and whom he married November 1, 1942. Three brothers: Ralph, Raymond and Wallace Stephens / 1 Sister: Connie Morris / Granddaughter: Misty Dawn Stephens. 1 Son: Greg Stephens and wife Shirley of Empire, Ohio 2 Daughters: Mrs. Ernest ( Joyce ) Joy of Wellsville,Ohio Mrs. David ( Tammy ) Rhodes of Toronto, Ohio 3 Sisters: Beatrice Nonemaker of Chester, WV. Edith Williams of Fellsmere, Florida Jean Haune of Vero Beach, Florida 4 Brothers: John Stephens of Morgantown, WV. Dean Stephens of East Liverpool, Ohio William Corbin Stephens of Vero Beach, Florida Layne Stephens of Vero Beach, Florida 8 Grandchildren and 5 Great-grandchildren Friends and family will be received for visitation hours 7-9 Wednesday and 2-4 & 7-9 Thursday at Clarke Funeral Home - 302 Main Street, Toronto, Ohio. 740-537-1234 or 800-588-1446. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday December 21, 2001 at Clarke Funeral Home with Reverend Sam Troyer officiating. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery. Full Military Graveside Honors will be given by the Toronto American Legion. Memorial contributions in memory of Rufus may be made to the Empire United Methodist Church - State Route 7, Empire, Ohio 43926.