Wayne Clark Stephens 1940-2022

Wayne was born Oct. 17, 1940, in Olive Hill, Ky., and came to Ohio in 1950, where he graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1960 and worked in the local A&P grocery store during his high school years.

Wayne enlisted in the Air Force in July 1960, where he proudly served in Okinawa, Japan, for two years and then at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during his last two years of active duty. As staff sergeant, Wayne continued and completed his military career, serving three years in the National Guard, stationed at the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base in Mansfield. Wayne received an honorable discharge in October 1967.

Wayne began his civilian career during his reserve service with the Ohio Brass Research Center in Rittman, and attended the University of Akron. Wayne received his associate degree in electronics in 1971 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in electronics engineering in 1975. In 1976, Wayne accepted a position with the Copperweld Steel Company in Warren as a general foreman of the electronics division. Wayne served 32 years prior to the company’s closure and finished the last five years of his career with the Warren Steel Company in Warren, where he continued with his ambition for teaching and mentoring young engineers and technicians.

Wayne valued education and fulfilled his commitment by serving as a part-time professor at the Kent State University at Trumbull campus for many years during his working career and into his retirement. Wayne enjoyed photography, music, caring for his canine friends through the years, tinkering and fixing engines and anything electronic, as well as building, programming and selling computers during his retirement. Wayne relocated to Wooster in 2008 to be closer to his family, after 37 years in the steel industry.

Wayne will be greatly missed by his three children, daughters, Kerry L. Turner of South Euclid, Lori L. Stephens of Westfield Center, and son, Jeffrey W. Stephens of Columbus; sister, Carolyn L. Stamper of Mansfield; stepsister, Connie Duncan of Cynthiana, Ky.; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, along with Wayne’s little Bichon Frise / poodle buddy, Tippy, he had adopted from the shelter at 5 years old. Tippy had been a loving and comforting companion over the last 14 years.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey N. Burton; stepfather, James D. “Deacon” Burton; and his youngest sister, Mona “Jayne” Wittmer.

A special mention to his former wife and mother of Wayne’s three children, Sandra F. Haas, for her dedicated love and support; as well as Wayne’s countless caregivers with loving hands over the last few years.

A family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association and The Hospice of the Western Reserve Foundation in Medina, Ohio.

www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com

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