Billie "Bill" Jean Stephens, 81, Adrian, MO, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO. Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 5 at the chapel. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Crescent Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720 or to the Adrian Volunteer Fire Fighters, also c/o Atkinson Funeral Home.

Bill was born April 27, 1928 in Garden City, Missouri, the son of George Ruben and Iva May (Wright) Stephens. He attended Conley School, where he graduated from the eighth grade, always joking that he was both valedictorian and salutatorian, since he was the only graduate. He was an active member of the United States Army, serving in Germany from October, 1950 to October, 1952.

Bill was united in marriage to Kathleen Rose Hill on March 25, 1951. To this union, two sons were born, Richard W. and Jerald L. Upon his return from the military, Bill became a professional truck driver. In the year 1959, he joined his father-in-law and brother-in-law in a farming operation. When he returned to trucking in the early 70's, he drove for several truck lines, the last being the Leonard Brothers. He retired from the Teamsters in 1986.

Bill was a member of the I.O.O.F. #13 of Adrian and a long-time member of the Adrian Christian Church. He loved to be outside, hunting, fishing and enjoyed his garden. Bill will be remembered as a man who enjoyed his family. He could be seen all over town, showing off pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister. He is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 58 years; two sons, Rick Stephens of Goodlettsville, Tennessee and Jerry Stephens and wife Jeanie, of Adrian; brother-in-law, Gerold C. Hill of Adrian; six grandchildren, Brad Stephens and wife, Cheryl of Butler, MO, Leslie Stephens, Max Stephens, and Savannah Stephens, all of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Hannah Newkirk and husband, Matthew of Adrian and Gerold Stephens and wife, Ashley of Adrian; six great-grandchildren, Ashley Capling and husband, Tim of Butler, MO, Jacob Larsen of Independence, MO, Drake and Makenna Stephens of Butler, MO, Harlee and Claire Newkirk of Adrian and two great-great-grandchildren, Tristan and Laila Capling of Butler, MO. Also surviving are a brother, Jim Stephens of Seattle, Washington and two sisters, Wanda Todd and husband, Bill of Peculiar, MO and Helen Hedrick and husband, Bill of Harrisonville, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.