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Martin Stephens Obituary
He was born on August 23, 1938 in Georgia and grew up in Dunnellon, Florida. Martin graduated from Cuthbert High School. Upon graduation, he entered the Army where he served in the 504th Military Police Battalion at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After discharge, he returned to Florida where he served the citizens of Marion County in law enforcement from 1960 with the Ocala Police Department to retirement in 1997 with the Marion County Sheriff's Office as a major. Major Stephens continued to qualify on the county shooting range yearly until the age of 85.
He was happiest when surrounded by family. His wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren and their spouses were his world. He was a faithful member of One Life Fellowship where he enjoyed being the Ring Pop man (if you said please and thank you), ironing tablecloths for Night to Shine, kitchen duty for the youth camp (at Southwind), serving lunch for summer KidzNation and late-night shifts for the annual Read through the Bible. He was actively involved as a volunteer at Munroe Regional for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family camping, especially at Petersburg Campground. Martin also loved talking about guarding Elvis when he made Follow That Dream in 1961. Martin's love for the Lord and other people were evident in his daily life.
Martin was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sims, infant son Robert Martin, and brothers George and Stan Stephens. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Marsha, his daughters Stacy (James) Mintz and Molly Stewart; grandchildren Nate Stewart, Grace (Jonathan) Everage, Caleb (Judy) Mintz, and James Stewart; brother, Dix Stephens; sisters, Ellen (Clayton) Teague and Mary (Ed) Hay; sister-in-law Gail Stephens and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be at One Life Fellowship, 3740 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida 34470 on Saturday, September 21st at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to www.itecusa.org or www.weargloves.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Marti Brown
September 18, 2024
Martin enjoyed life. He was a huge family man. You could always count on him to be with his family and extend families. I always felt a joy being around him. He loved seeing everyone in Georgia and keeping in touch with his cousins!!
Robert B. Martin, IV
September 18, 2024
Martin was six years older than me and a first cousin of mine who came and lived with my family for two years and finished high school in Cuthbert, GA. We shared a room upstairs and I was always scared of being upstairs by myself at night when Martin was out with friends or on a date. I would lie awake listening out for any spooks and when I heard someone coming up the stairs I would say, "Martin, is that you?", and I was always so relieved when he answered "Yes, it's me." He was always there for me.
Leo Smith
September 18, 2024
I had the privilege of working with and under the supervision of Major Stephens for over 20 years, when he retired. He was always someone you could count on and a big part of the history of the Marion County Sheriff's Office
Jean Weber
September 17, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. My deepest sympathy, love and prayers to the family.
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Ben dersch
September 16, 2024
One of my favorite memories was getting to have dinner with you guys while Beth, Matt, and I were being taken care of by Grammy (Mrs dirienzo) and he did indeed mention how he guarded Elvis Presley, along with reminding me that I´d get smile lines if I kept laughing so much !! Along with the countless candy at church and getting to witness the servants heart that was evident in him
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