Shelby DeVere Stephens

Shelby DeVere Stephens passed away to be with his Lord on Saturday, December 15, 2012. He was born on March 31, 1925, to Shelby Stephens and Agnes Stephens (nee Leighton) in Burt, Iowa. He grew up in Corwith, Iowa, and eventually moved to Des Moines and attended North High School. He was known as DeVere in his youth.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 before graduating. He was trained as a paratrooper. He did jumping exhibits for war bonds in the United States and was eventually stationed in Sendai, Japan.

After discharge from the military he met Marjorie (Marge) Delk, his forever love, on a blind date. He and Marge were married 64 wonderful years until her death in 2011.

He was a tool and die maker with Mercury Tool. He was known for his fixing and building skills throughout his life. After retirement he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. His many friends and family also benefitted from these skills.

He was a devoted member of Epworth United Methodist Church for over 60 years and he served in many capacities at the church. He will be missed by his many friends from the church.

He will be greatly missed by his family: son, Bruce Stephens (Susan); daughter, Phyllis Stephens (Steve Hilbert); his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jeff Stephens; Jordan Stephens; Jaimie Stephens; Andrew Tice (Mary), Olivia, William, Caroline and Alexander John (AJ); Chandler Tice (Katie), Quinn, Mia and Oliver; Roger Hudson (Sheila), Mary and Abigail; Kristin Goldman (Rob), Annabel and Gabrielle; Heather Tragesser (Joe), Luke and Ember; step-mother, Beverly Dickson; step-brother, James Stephens; and step-sister, Beverly Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie; son, David Stephens; brother, Kenneth Stephens; sister, Wilma Swenson; and step-brother, Robert Stephens.

Services will be at 1 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. The family will greet visitors for an hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Inurnment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church in loving memory of Shelby.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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