Billy R. Stephens, age 78, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 11:07 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his loving family. 

          He was born on April 6, 1939 in Pyramid, Floyd County, Kentucky to the late Bill and Virgie (Prater) Stephens.   His mother Virgie later married the late Franzel Castle.  Billy married Pearl F. Sexton on October 1, 1966 and she preceded him in death on March 27, 1988.           

          Billy retired from the Labor Union of Lima, where he worked as a General Foreman for the Laborers Union.  He was a former member of the Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533.  Billy served in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was an avid fisherman and boater.  He enjoyed hunting Morel mushrooms with his family.

          He is survived by his son, Daryl (Amy) Stephens of Lakeview; two grandsons: Blake Stephens and Drew Stephens; his loving partner and sweetheart, Ann Reichenbach of Ada; a brother, Frank (Robin Zuver) Castle of Alger; eight sisters: Mary (Gary) Simon of Ada, Mabel Wright of Ada, Betty Warmbrod of Kenton, Sadie (Alonzo) Allen of Dola, Linda (Butch) LaRue of Ada, Charlene (Doug) Karfit of Ada, Thelma Smith of Belle Center and Lisa Castle of Florida; a sister-in-law, Vicki Castle of Alger; and several nieces and nephews.   

          Bill was preceded in death by a son, Billy R. Stephens, Jr; four brothers: James, Russell, Albert and Terry Castle; and a sister, Joyce Stanley.

          Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18,  at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with his niece Minister Heather Burry and Rev. Tex Rowe officiating.  Burial will be in Preston Cemetery, Alger.

          Friends may call from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and until time of service on Monday at the funeral home.  

          In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ada VFW Post #9381.