Walter L. Stephens Sr.

Walter L. Stephens Sr., 68, of Van Wert, died at 11:19 a.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

He was born June 19, 1942, in Deer Lodge, Tenn., the son of the late James Elbert and Ova (Hurst) Stephens. He married Erma (Lantis) Stephens, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include six children, Richard Stephens, Rose Stephens and Stephanie Stephens, all of Lima, Walter L. (Deanna) Stephens Jr. of Van Wert, Raenita Stephens Spaeth of Defiance and Carl Stephens of Decatur, Ind.; a sister, Jeanne Donahue of Lima; 13 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Jack and James Stephens; and a sister, Lois Stephens Hamby, also preceded him in death.

Private family funeral services will be held at a later date.

There will be no calling hours.

Preferred memorials: The family, in c/o of Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.alspachgearhart.com.