Lonas Stephens

SAUNEMIN—Lonas "Don" Stephens, 84, of Saunemin IL, and formerly Dwight, Gardner and Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, Ron, Donna and Leigh Ann at Joliet Area Hospice Home on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019.
Born in Monroe County, TN on April 26, 1934, Don was one of four children born to Bonnie (Sawyer) and Horace Claude Stephens. Don’s greatest loves in life were his children and his family, followed by his love of fishing, gardening and working around the farm and traveling.  A graduate of Lanier High School in Tennessee, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he proudly served as a corporal until he was honorably discharged on Sept. 8, 1956. Don moved to Gardner to raise his family and enjoy life in the country. Don retired from Caterpillar Inc. in Joliet after 45 years in the Heat Treat Department. He also worked with the late James Scott of Dwight for more than 20 years laying field tile for area farmers. Don instilled upon his kids the importance of an exemplary work ethic and the love of family.
Survivors include his three children: Ronald (Leigh Ann) Stephens, of Saunemin; Donna (David) Weis, of Blackstone and Donald Stephens, of Mattoon; five grandchildren: Sarah (Cody) Harris, of Cullom; Nic Stephens, of Saunemin; Natalie Weis, Nathan Weis and Nolan Weis, all of Blackstone; one great-granddaughter, Olivia Harris, of Cullom; brother, Hardie Stephens, of Palatine; several nieces and nephews, and longtime companion, Judy Lanier, of Dwight, as well as her children and grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Cook; brother, Claude Stephens and grandson, Justin Stephens.
Visitation and video tribute will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway, one block north of Illinois Route 113 in Coal City and again on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 from 10 a.m until time of service at 11 a.m.
Burial with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Morris Hospital and Joliet Area Community Hospice.
Memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Don's memory to the family for their distribution.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Don’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City