Dr. Gordon Devere Stephens

Dr. Gordon Devere Stephens, 89, of Rushville, IL passed away at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023, at The Bickford of Macomb, IL surrounded by his family. He was born on February 5, 1934 in Rushville, IL a son of the late Carter & Madeline Settles Stephens. He married his high school sweetheart Rosemary Dutton, who was his loving wife of 67 years, on August 7, 1955 at the Rushville First Presbyterian Church. She survives along with (2) daughters; Mary Stephens-Reynolds & husband Murray, Lori Reese all of Rushville, IL, (1) grandson; Ryan Reese, of Tampa, FL, (1) step grandson JD Reynolds & family of Springfield, IL, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by (3) brothers; Donald, Harold & Richard Stephens. He was a graduate of Rushville High School. He held the free-throw record at Pontiac, IL when competition included all divisions. Gordon earned his professional degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, IL. After graduation he practiced with his father-in-law, Dr. W. J. Dutton until opening his own practice, Stephens Chiropractic in Beardstown, IL. He operated his practice for over forty years before retiring in 1998. He was a life-long member of the Rushville First Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder and Sunday School Superintendant. He was also a member of Rushville Masonic Lodge #9 AF & AM, Ansar Shrine, Elks Lodge #1007, Rushville Moose Lodge #506, Kiwanis Club, 22 Club and St. Petersburg Country Club in St. Petersburg, FL. He was an avid golfer and a long time member of the Scripps Park Golf Course where he played in the Wednesday Night Men's League for many years. He was thrilled to accomplish two holes-in-one. He enjoyed traveling with his family to many states, as well as travel abroad. He looked forward to annual fall/winter trips to St. Pete Beach, FL and summer trips to the Ozarks. His cherished memories also include a golf trip to Scotland with all of his brothers and a 50th Anniversary trip to Ireland. Gordon loved every moment spent with his family and friends. His true passion was attending his grandson's activities, honors, commencements and sports, and he took great pride in all of his successes. Gordon was inspirational, enduring physical challenges after several strokes while maintaining his great faith, sense of humor and positivity. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Rushville First Presbyterian Church with David Eyler officiating. Inurnment will follow in Rushville City Cemetery with Masonic Rites by Rushville Lodge #9 AF & AM. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be given to Rushville First Presbyterian Church, Scripps Park Golf Course or Shriners Children's Hospital.