Orville "Steve" Stephens

Orville “Steve” Stephens, 92 of Ripley, was surrounded by loved ones in his home when he went to be with our Lord on May 18, 2017 Orville was born May 2, 1925 at Cabin Creek, WV the son of the late Urven and Ova Morris Stephens. Orville was a Christian, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a World War II Veteran of the US Army serving in the Okinawah Campaign, 1945 and Occupation Forces in Korea 1945-46. He was employed by the US Postal Service for nearly 30 years. He was well known as Ripley’s first door-to-door City Mail Carrier, beginning his career in 1956. He later became a Rural Mail Carrier for several years before retiring in 1984. During his years as a Mail Carrier, he also built a small business. He sold and set grave monuments for Sears Monument Company. Orville and his wife, Blanche, were Charter members of West Ripley Baptist Church where they served in many capacities for more than 50 years. He is survived by a daughter Joyce (Conn) Johnson; son John (Dottie) Stephens; grandchildren Mark Johnson, Brian (Torri) Johnson and Heather Stephens (Allen) Hall and five great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Blanche Nicsinger Stephens; sisters Luiza Kitchens, Mary Ellen Miller and Geraldine Randolph; Brother Robert “Bob” Stephens and a Grandson, John Eric Stephens. In keeping with Orville’s wishes, everyone is welcome to join the family at the gravesite at Pine Hill Cemetery in Ripley for a special tribute in honor of his life, Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 am. Pastor Franklin Howerton and Rev. Herman Robinson will be leading the service. Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of Flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Memory of Orville Stephens to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536 Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com