Lee Ernest 'Ole Man' 'Jack Benny' Stevens

Lee Ernest Stevens was born October 30, 1950 to Mary Alice (nee Jones) and John Henry Stevens in Macon, Missouri, and later resided in Haywood City, Missouri. Lee attended Three Rivers Junior College (Poplar Bluff, MO) before entering into active duty with the United States Army. While enlisted, he earned several decorations and citations including the National Defense Service Medal and Long Range Sharpshooter (M-16 Rifle). He completed coursework in Basic Leadership, received specialized training as a field wire man and artillery operator, and was stationed in Germany for a portion of his service with the armed forces. He attained the rank of Sergeant before transferring to the United States Army Reserve in 1972. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Lee returned to school to further his education. In 1976, he completed the requirements for his Bachelor of Science in Education. A resident of Columbus, Ohio since 1984, Lee retired from the State of Ohio, Department of Insurance after twenty years of service and was also employed by The Strategy Group for Media. Additionally, during that time, Lee continued his pursuit of academic excellence by enrolling as a student of Triune Biblical University from which he received a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (1989), and a Religious Doctoral Degree (1990). He was a devoted follower of Christ and would often worship and fellowship at Genoa Baptist Church in Westerville (Ohio). Over the years, Lee was recognized for special achievements in other areas of his life including a Certificate of Membership in the State Pupils Reading Circle Program (Missouri Department of Education) and a Certificate of Merit from the Amateur Softball Association of America. But, perhaps the accomplishment that stirred up the greatest pride and joy in Lee's heart was his role as a revered family man. A cherished husband and beloved father, Lee was affectionately known by many other names including Jack Benny, Black Jack, The Ole Man, and as his grandchildren called him, Paw-Paw or Daddy Paw-Paw. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at the age of 66, Lee Ernest Stevens departed from his earthly life while at Mt. Carmel Hospital - East in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his siblings, Carolyn, Ida, Rome, and Ruthann, grandson R.J. Young, godfather Lee White, and best friend Roy Fields. Those who remain to cherish memories of Lee include his wife Maryellen; children, Melissa, Leland, Lee, Stephanie (Reginald), Kristina, and Daniel; siblings, Henry Earl (Edna) Stevens, Evelyn (James) Harris, and Mack Stevens; honorable daughters, Rachel, Amy, and Brittany; 19 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; aunt Estella; uncles, Harry (Tino) and Will (Ada); and godmother Marcy White. He will also be missed by his dear friends, Pastor Frank Carl, Rex Elass, Laurie Elass the entire Elass Family, Tom White, Ned Camron, Linda Gilliam, Teresa Reedus, Marybeth McCallion, Wing Man Lonnie, Leonard Bishop, John Johnson, Fred Johnson, Steve Reynolds, John Evans, Lee Watson, and Larry Lawrence; first wife Darlene; and a host of other loved ones who are a part of Lee's extended family circle.