LOUISVILLE — Chester M. Stephens Jr., 90, died August 21st, surrounded by loved ones at Jefferson Place in Louisville. He had an incredible spirit and a desire to live to be 100. Despite living with chronic illness, he celebrated his 90th birthday on July 25th.

He is survived by his sister, Julia Nell Wood of Paducah; daughter, Amy Stephens McClain (Richard) of Louisville; son, James Craig Stephens (Carol) of Clinton, Conn.; eight grandchildren (six spouses); and nine great-grandchildren; and loving nieces and nephews. He most recently lived at Horizon Bay Independent Living Community in Louisville where he made good friends and met a wonderful companion, Carol Lankerd, who will also cherish his memory.

Chester was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Williams Stephens (1898-1983); father, Chester M. Stephens Sr. (1905-1978); stepmother, Myrtle Stephens; his wife, Dorothy Gatlin Stephens (1929-1992); and his daughters, Stephanie Ann Stephens (1967-2010) and Marsha Louise Stephens Hotkowski (1951-2011).

He was a WWII Army Veteran (Signal Corps) and a 1950 graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Business Administration. He retired from Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1984 and dedicated the next twenty years to caring for his wife and daughter Stephanie. He was an avid golfer, bowler, tennis player, and in recent years still followed his favorite teams. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fountain Avenue Methodist Church in Paducah followed by a funeral service at the church at 3 p.m.

A graveside committal service will take place Monday at 10 a.m. at Maplelawn Park Cemetery with military honors.

Roth Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions in Mr. Stephens’ memory may be made to: Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church, UK School of Business Administration; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.rothfuneralchapel.com.