Clarence R. Stephens

CLARENCE R. "ZIPPO" STEPHENS, 82, of New Paris, Ohio, died Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Golden Rule Nursing Center in Richmond, Indiana. Born on October 22, 1927 in Richmond, Indiana, he was the son of the late Paul R. & Levina (Clevenger) Stephens. Clarence was a graduate of Richmond High School and was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired Tool and Die Maker and had worked at AVCO in Richmond and FRAM in Greenville, Ohio. Clarence loved children and coached baseball and football in New Paris for many years. He played baseball for the American Legion in Richmond and loved the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He was an avid radio control model plane flyer and belonged to several model plane clubs in the area. He had lived in New Paris since 1957 and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Richmond and the New Paris Boosters Club.

Survived by his wife, Katherine Jean (Stinson) Stephens; sons, Michael C. Stephens of Centerville, Indiana and Daniel M. Stephens of New Paris; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca E.& Kevin Gruber of Greenville, Ohio; several grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Barnes Funeral Home, 109 West Main Street, New Paris, Ohio 45347 with Pastor Cheryl Garbe officiating. Interment will be held in Spring Lawn Cemetery in New Paris. Family will receive friends on Monday, January 11, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Missionary Fund, 318 National Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com