William John Stephens

William J. Stephens of Vicksburg, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center. William was born April 17, 1937 in Grand Rapids, the son of Carl and Helen (Peterson) Stephens. He was a master electrician and a member of the Mendon United Methodist Church. He was united in marriage to the former Lois Ballinger who preceded him in death in 1999. Surviving are His companion Helen Cowell of Vicksburg; 2 sons, William (Tina Sturgeon) Stephens of Vicksburg, Michael (Melanie Brock) of Portage; 3 daughters, Terri (James) Campbell of Vicksburg, Cheryl (Tom) Garbe of Pullman, Carri Ann Laplante of Portage; brother, Bob Stephens of Vancouver, BC Canada; sister, Barb (Melvin) South of Paw Paw; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by  grandson, Billy Stephens Jr. and a sister, Mary Phillips. Friends will be received Friday from 10-11 am at the Mendon United Methodist Church, 320 W. Main St. Mendon, MI 49072, where services will be held at 11 am. Interment will be in Schoolcraft Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, Mendon United Methodist Church or The American Diabetes Assoc. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net