Jerry Stephens, age 68, of Somerset passed away on Sunday January 20, 2013 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Mr. Stephens was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 16, 1944 to the late Allen and Maxine Ballard Stephens. He loved to hunt, fish, flint tapping and being in the woods. He graduated from Oklahoma State with a bachelor’s degree.
As District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service, Somerset Ranger District, Jerry was committed to excellence in resource management (soil, water, air, lands, heritage resources, timber, fire, wildlife, recreation) during his tenure. He was a leader in mine lands restoration. He was one of the first members of the Forest Leadership Team to understand and promote the role of prescribed fire in forest health.
Of special note was his work with Native American tribes. Jerry was appointed as Liaison by the Southern Region to actualize his dream of developing wildland firefighting crews with the Eastern and Western Bands of the Cherokee Nation as well as other tribes of Oklahoma and Arkansas. He also worked tirelessly to promote understanding and appreciation of Native American cultures to employees of the Daniel Boone NF.
Jerry was held in the highest esteem by his District employees, co-workers, and members of the Somerset community.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Earlene Griffiths Stephens, whom he married on March 5, 1965 in Nacoma Park, Oklahoma; son, Vince Stephens ( Shannon Burton) of Somerset; daughter, Deana Osborne of Somerset; like a daughter, Gina Gibbs of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sister, Fran (Charles) Ogle of Eufaula, Oklahoma; grandchildren ,Heather Stephens, Cody Osborne, Austin Whiles, Brenden Whiles, Bethany Burton; He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Sabrina Alys Stephens.
Visitation for Mr. Stephens will be Tuesday January 22, 2013 at 6 P.M. in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday January 23, 2013 at 2 P.M. at Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Bro. Jimmie Greene officiating.
Interment will follow in the Love Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers expressions of sympathy may be sent to Hospice of Lake Cumberland or the Gideon Bible Memorial Plan
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the Arrangements