Charles “Don” Stephenson, 94, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at his home.
Don was born in Louisville, on August 9, 1927 to the late Oliver David Stephenson and Elizabeth Fey Stephenson. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Norma Pickard Stephenson, and the two began their 72 year journey through life together.
Don was a graduate of Murray State University where he received his Masters Degree in Education. In 1951 he was on the Murray State Men’s basketball team that went on to win the very first OVC Championship for Murray State University. After college Don started his first job as the basketball coach for Lone Oak High School. He went on to coach for seven years up until 1959 before he accepted his new job as the first ever Principal for Lone Oak Elementary School. He later went on to become the Principal for Heath High School before moving with his family to Franklin, Kentucky where he accepted the job as the first Principal of Franklin Simpson High School. In 1984 Don retired from his extensive career in education and administration, and moved back to Kentucky with his family where he enjoyed spending his time at their lake home.
During his retirement he enjoyed golfing and even turned his love for the sport into a business and built the Golfun Driving Range located in Paducah, Kentucky which he operated for many years.. He was a member of the Lions Club in Franklin, Kentucky and served as the President of the Lions Club in Lone Oak. He was a member of Franklin Church of Christ.
Don had many different titles throughout this life. Whether it was a teammate, coach, principal, president, husband, father, grandfather, or great grandfather, he will be cherished and missed by all of the people who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Norma Pickard Stephenshon; two daughters, Donna S. Cook (Brad) of Paducah and Diane Barga (Ray) of Benton; two sons, Rick Stephenson of Paducah and Terry Don Stephenson (Patty) of Spartanburg, SC; nine grandchildren, Chuck Stephenson, Tyler Cook (Cara), Justin Cook (Anna), Mackenzie Cook, Rachel Long (Evan) Stephen Barga (Amanda), Adrienne Stephenson (Brandon), Meredith Stephenson, and Camille Stephenson; and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Anna Lee Sallengs; and two brothers, Oliver Stephenson and Paul Stephenson.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Kentucky Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch, 233 Sheriffs Ranch Rd, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 or to Marcella’s Kitchen, 868 Guy Mathis Drive, Benton, KY 42025.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 Am to 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner and Orr.
A funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow at Fairdealing Cemetery.
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