Charles J. Stephens

Charles Joe "C.J." Stephens, 79, of Shelbyville died Monday, April 11, 2011, at his residence, with his family at his side. Born January 17, 1932, in Shelby County, he was the son of Elza and Lotta (McMurray) Stephens. He married Martha Sue Berry on December 31, 1954, and she survives.o Other survivors include sons, Stanley Joe (wife, Sang) Stephens of North Highlands, California, and Mark Elza (wife, Lorie) Stephens and Gary A. (wife, Peggy) Stephens, both of Shelbyville; daughters, Cheryl Lynn (husband, Jim) Cherry of Indianapolis, Susan Elizabeth (husband, Steve) Krohne of Carmel and Amy Michelle Hellums of Shelbyville; sister, RoseMary "Billie" Nolley of Fairland; grandchildren, Renae Cherry, Daniel Cherry, Holden Stephens, Kyle Stephens, Chelsey Stephens, Tyler Hellums, Regan Hellums, Ethan Krohne and Hannah Krohne; and sever nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony "Tony" Stephens; a brother, John Stephens; and sisters, Hazel Diehn, Gay N. Hazelwood and Helen Safewright. Mr. Stephens lived in Shelbyville most of his life and had graduated from Pennville High School in 1949. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Stephens retired in 1993 as a plumber and was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 440. He enjoyed auctions, gardening, refinishing furniture, woodworking and selling used tractors, lawn mowers and golf carts. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Steven Bohall officiating. Interment will be in Miller Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lung Cancer Association or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Association.