ROBERT L. "R.L." STEPHENS

STEPHENS, ROBERT L. "R.L." - age 81, of Sweetwater, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at Sweetwater Hospital. He was a member of Fair View Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater where he served as a deacon and assistant Sunday school superintendent. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean War, also served for 20 years in the Tennessee National Guard Reserves. Retired from the Sweetwater Utilities Board after 40 years of service. Preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Shirley Robinette Stephens; parents, Robert and Rosa Stephens; sister, Ada Oliver; son, Ronald Stephens. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Evelyn Stephens, of Sweetwater; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tom Rauschert, of Madisonville; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Joe Reed, of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Tracey and Mike Watson, Jamie Price, Lori Stephens, Samantha and Dustin Kerr, Amanda and Nick Devine, Brittney and Michael Wiggins, Robbie and Nick Rauschert; great grandchildren, Jacob Stephens, Isbella Hunt, Emily Devine, Justin and Carson Wiggins; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 25, 2014, at the Fair View Baptist Tabernacle in Sweetwater from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Carr and Rev. Denny Moore officiating. Interment 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, in the Sweetwater Memorial Park with full military honors provided by members of the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156 and members of the Monroe County D.A.V. chapter #93. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com