Cy Stephens

Donald “Cy” Stephens, 94, recently of Wilmington, but a longtime resident of Port William passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Ohio Living Cape May.

His wife, Joan DeVoe Stephens, preceded him in death December 3, 2023.  They were married on August 12, 1951.  He was born on December 1, 1931 in Port William, Ohio, son of the late William C. Stephens and Carlene Pagett Stephens.

Cy was a 1949 graduate of Port William High School where he was the class president, valedictorian, and played on the basketball team. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a Russian linguist stationed in Japan.

Cy was a lifelong merchant and plumber, having co-owned Stephens Hardware and Plumbing in Port William.  He was a longtime member of the Port William Church and the Port William Life Squad and Fire Department.  He served as Chief of the Port William Life Squad and was also on the Port William Village Council and the Clinton County Emergency Services Committee.

Cy’s many interests included photography, fishing, hunting, arrowhead collecting, and genealogy.  He enjoyed writing and kept journals and wrote many historical pieces about Port William.  He was an avid Reds, Bengals, and Ohio State fan.   Cy also liked playing cards and doing puzzles.  In his retirement he and Joan traveled the U.S. and visited 49 of the 50 states.  They also wintered in River Rest, Florida where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard.

Cy is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Frank E. Guy) Stephens of Blanchester, Ohio; son, Terry (Pam) Stephens of Jamestown, Ohio; sister, Mary Ann Burton of Wilmington, Ohio; grandchildren, Kathryn (Davidson Hunter) Stephens, Lauren Stephens, and Clayton (Grace Nonnamaker) Guy; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Billy D. Stephens.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Port William Church, 241 Main St, Port William, Ohio.  A funeral service with Pastor Virgil Hawkins officiating will be held at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Port William, Ohio with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 49 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cy’s memory may be made to the Port William Church, P.O. Box 216, Port William, Ohio 45164 or Port William Liberty Township E.M.S., 7211 N. State Route 134, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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