Orville Louis Stephens

Orville Louis Stephens was born April 2,1935 in Des Arc, Arkansas to William Marshall Stephens and Ethel Pauline Burnett Stephens. He went to be with the Lord April 6, 2024 at his home at Harding Place surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen Foshee Churchwell Stephens of Searcy, Arkansas; one daughter Cheryl Pierce of Dallas, Texas; one daughter-in-law Elsie Stephens, three step-daughters Kelly and Gene Provost of Kansas; Karrin and Mike Jozwiak of Kokomo, Indiana; Linda and Steve McIntosh of Griffithville, Arkansas; two step-sons Jimmy and Vangie Churchwell of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas; Troy and Lisa Churchwell of Griffithville, Arkansas, and one step-son-in-law Mike Cook of Michigan. Six grand children, five great grandchildren, and twelve step-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Alma Stephens of 31 years; Dets Stephens of 13 years; his parents William and Pauline Stephens; son, Robert Stephens; two stepdaughters, Diane Cook and Debbie Gallagher; two brothers Ralph (Skipper) Stephens and Robert (Bobby) Stephens. 

He worked for General Motors Fire Department for 41.5 years; Mount Morris Fire Department in Michigan for 32 years. He served as Fire Chief for 21.5 years. He helped to establish the Genesee County Fire Fighters Color Guard Association. He was President of Genesee County Fire Association and President of Genesee County Fire Chief Association. He retired in 2003 and moved to Arkansas. He enjoyed working in the garden, yard and pecan orchard, riding motorcycles, ice racing, bowling, parades, volunteering, traveling, fishing, hunting, and anything to do with the fire departments. He loved spending time at the lake with family and friends.

He was a member of Kensett Church of Christ and the Masonic Lodge in Mount Morris, Michigan. He and his wife have been residents of Harding Place in Searcy for over a year and enjoyed his retirement. A special thank you to Harding Place staff and Arkansas Hospice employees who gave him the best of care. In lieu of flowers, if you want to make a donation as a memorial, please make it to the American Lung Association or Welcome Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.   Burial will follow at Welcome Home Cemetery in Griffithville.  Searcymceuenfuneralhome.com