Mr. Howard “Buddy” R. Stembridge, 87 of Benton, Kentucky died on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at his home. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was retired from BF Goodrich where he worked as a pipefitter. He loved playing the guitar, singing, and rabbit hunting.
Born Saturday, March 21, 1936, in Nortonville, KY, he was the son of the late Clifton Stembridge and the late Lucy Mae (Young) Stembridge.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Wavelan (Darnell) Stembridge of Benton, KY, daughters, Sherry Baker, husband Eric of Benton, KY, Treasa Cutler of Louisville, KY, stepchildren, Charles “CK” Smith, wife Shirley of Grand Rivers, KY, Danny Smith, wife Evelyn of Benton, KY, grandchildren, Daniel Cutler, Eric Cutler, Emily Baker, Amy Smith Goodman, Matt Henson, Cheri Woodruff, 10 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Steve Stembridge, sisters, Gladys Swanson, Helen Unterreiner and Jonell Cummins, grandchild, Stephanie Smith, and great-great grandchild, Audrey Woodruff.
A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Collier Funeral Chapel located at 211 West 5th St. Benton, Kentucky 42025 with Rev. Charles LaChance officiating.
Interment with military rites will follow in Provine Cemetery, Benton, KY.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th, Benton, KY.