Lt Col. Paul Ray Stephen (USAF Retired), age 80, of Martinsville, IL passed away at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at home. He was born November 21, 1939 in Parker Township, IL, the eldest son of Max Henry Stephen and Viola Ruth Perisho Stephen. On July 7, 1961 he married Sheila Teresa Mary McDonough in Colorado Springs, CO upon graduating from the US Air Force Academy.
Paul is survived by his daughters, Deanna Keeney and husband Stanley of Casey, IL; Deborah Lampe and husband Jeffrey of Gettysburg, PA; Paula Crumrin and husband Daryn of Katy, TX. He has 11 grandchildren; Marie Daugherty and husband Daniel; Colton, Leanna, Adam and Owen Keeney; Tyler, Max and Teresa Lampe and Allison, Elizabeth and Samantha Crumrin, 3 great-grandsons; Aiden, Carson and Brady. He is also survived by his younger brother, Don Stephen. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, sister, Betty Stephen and brother, Roy Stephen.
Paul was a graduate of Casey High School Class of 1957, USAF Academy Class of 1961 and also received his MBA from UCLA. He served 21 years in the USAF as a test pilot, flew C-130s and B-52's in Vietnam. After he retired from the Air Force, he farmed with his dad and brothers while being an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Illinois University College of Business. He then started his next profession as a commodities broker with ADM Investor Services. He was a member of the Casey VFW, Casey Lions Club, Martinsville American Legion, Shriners, Masonic Lodge and served 10 years as President for Clark County of Farm Bureau.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Markwell Funeral Home with military rites at 7 p.m. by Casey VFW Post 5762 and Martinsville American Legion Post 515.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Casey VFW, 300 S. Central Ave., Casey IL 62420.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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