John Hightower Stephens, 89, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2024, at The Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin. John was born on August 20, 1934, in Maple Grove, Missouri, to Henry Orben Stephens and Mary M. (Garner) Stephens. John worked for Carthage Marble and then for several years for the Carthage Street Department. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City, Missouri. He enjoyed being outdoors and farming.
John was united in marriage to Betty Lou Hilton on May 20, 1955, in Granby, Missouri; she preceded him in death on December 3, 2011.
He is survived by one sister, Shirley Frerer (Michael) and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Stephens; his parents, Henry and Mary Stephens; three brothers; and one sister.
There will be a funeral service for John Stephens at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to service time beginning at 9:30 AM at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. The burial will take place at the Lowell Cemetery in Baxter Springs, Kansas following the service.
