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Wilbert STEPHENS Obituary

STEPHENS Wilbert Wilbert Stephens, 80, passed away on May 5, 2011 at The Toledo Hospital. A native of Toledo OH, he served in the Marine Corp where he was honorably discharged. He was employed by the City of Toledo as a firefighter where he served as the first black Deputy Chief. He was a founding member of St. Philip Lutheran Church. Wilbert was an avid golfer, member of the Midwestern Golfers Club, the Kingsters and enjoyed bowling with his friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Stephens; daughters, Janet Roberts, Cynthia (Ricky) Marks of Matteson, IL; son, Karl (Lynette) Stephens of Columbus, GA; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Ethel Ice and special niece, Jacqulyn Houston. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday followed by wake service from 6-8 p.m. with The Last Alarm Rites at 7 p.m., Funeral service 12 noon Wednesday, all at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Dr. Mark Hill, pastor of St. Philip Lutheran Church officiant. Burial Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com

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Published by The Blade from May 8 to May 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilbert STEPHENS

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Clarence SMITH

May 15, 2011

Hi, Janet. My prayers and condolences are with you and your family. I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please extend my thoughts to your family.

Clarenton & Janet M. Fitzpatrick

May 13, 2011

Betty and Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Wilbert. We extend our heartfelt sympathy.

lula smith

May 10, 2011

Blessings to the Stephens family.The Smith family is lifting all of you up in prayer.Sorry to hear about your loss of your husband,father,and grandfather.May God strengthened you in your hour of bereavement..

lula smith

May 10, 2011

Blessings to the Stephen's family,you have our prayers and sympathy in the loss of your beloved Husband,father and grandfather..We are lifting all of you up in prayer.JOHN 5;25 Most assuredly,I say to you,the hour is coming ,and now is when the dead will hear the voice of the Son Of God,and those who hear will live...David and Bonnie Smith...

Debra Furr-Rucker

May 10, 2011

Janet,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. May God Bless you and your family.

Mell & Gwen Hueston

May 10, 2011

Betty & Family,

We are sorry about the passing of Wilbert. We are saddened that we are unable to be with the family at this time. Please know that our prayers are with you and the children and grandchildren. Love you all, and may God bless you.

MELL & GWEN Hueston

May 10, 2011

BETTY & FAMILY, SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS OF WILBERT, KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WE ARE SADDENED THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO BE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME. GOD BLESS.
LOVE YOU ALL. MELL & GWEN

May 9, 2011

To the Stephens family,

May you find comfort in God's arms.

Deniese Key

May 9, 2011

GLAD I KNEW THE MAN WHO MADE HISTORY IN THE CITY OF TOLEDO MAY GOD BLESS THE STEPHENS FAMILY.Bernard Allen (Auburn Hills Mi)

Michele Mack

May 9, 2011

Kali:

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. My prayers go out to you and your family. I know that GOD will provide you with the strength you'll need and continued blessings for the coming days ahead. I'll keep you uplifted in prayer,

Robert Delrue

May 9, 2011

Betty so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked for Wilbert at old #16 and have many fond memories of him. Bob Delrue (Sebring Florida)

WILLIAM E THOMAS II

May 9, 2011

IN 1981 CHIEF STEPHENS WAS MY FIRST CHIEF. I WAS RETURNING FROM BEING LAYOFF. I WAS TOLD MY THE CHIEF. I WOULD BE TESTED ON MATRIAL FROM THE FIREFIGHTER TRAINING MANUEL. IF I PASS A TEST HE WOULD GO TO THE NEXT CHAPTER . TESTING ME ON MATRIAL HE DIDN'T ASSIGN. HE SAID HE ALWAY WANTED ME TO BE PREPARE FOR THE JOB. REST IN PEACE FIREFRIGTHER WM.E THOMAS II 25C

Mike Rickheim

May 9, 2011

Betty & Family,
I'm sorry for your loss, Wilbert was my Capt. at 17's and later my Chief for many years, he was tough but fair.
God bless you.

Pat Clear

May 9, 2011

I worked with wilbert on the tfd over the years. He was an honorable man, someone I enjoyed working with. sorry about your loss. Pat Clear

Tomeka Smith

May 9, 2011

May God Bless and keep you
Love Tomeka Smith

Rev.James Allen

May 8, 2011

To the Family of Cheif Stephens May these words Comfort all your hearts at this time your love one has answered alot bells to aid people in need and now his reward is in the hands of The Lord Jesus Hands and he will give him his on that day. Cheif Stephens has Moved into his New home in Heaven and he is now looking for all of you to Join Him there. you have all our prayers at this time and days to come

From Alred Lee Allen Rev James L Allen Mr.Bernard Allen and Gray O Neal Allen.
May God Bless you all.

May 8, 2011

Janet and Family,

Sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Debbie

May 8, 2011

sorry to hear of wilburt death we all went to school together gunckel aqnd libbey we all had fun at both .BETTY GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE HE ISN'T SUFFERING ANYMORE KEEP THE FAITH YOU OLD SCHOOLFRIEND HAROLD t THOMAS

Linda Watson and Family

May 8, 2011

Dear Stephens Family,

May memories of yesterday bring comfort in your sorrow. And may your heart be filled with hope that brightens each tomorrow.

Jeff Simon

May 8, 2011

My condolences to Janet and family.

marvin taylor

May 8, 2011

Mr.Stephens was sincerely a man to be respected and admired. He is truly an inspirational legend, that will be remembered and sorely missed. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his entire family. The World has Lost but Heaven has Gained.

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