Dean Lavern Stephenson

Dean Lavern Stephenson, 91, passed away peacefully in his cherished hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Born December 3, 1931 and raised in Akron, Dean was the beloved husband to the love of his life, Bernice A. Stephenson (Lecorchick). He was the son of the late Hobart Stephenson and Martha Stiles, and the sibling to his late sister Edna and living brother Wayne.

A loving father, Dean is survived by four of his children: Dean, Bob (Cristy), Nancy (Tim), and Glenn. He is joyfully reunited in heaven with his beautiful baby girl, Bethany. He was also a proud grandfather to John, Matthew (Brenna), Danny (Christina), Ben (Amber), Kelly (Perry), Curtis (Victoria), Caitlin (Ranesh), Lauren (Nathan), and Erin (Andrew).

Dean was a proud alumnus of Garfield High School, graduating in the class of 1950, and of Spring Arbor College (University) in 1952. He later served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve during the Korean War, where he was a Chief Medical Aidman in the distinguished 65th Infantry Division. Dean's valor earned him multiple commendations, including two Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. His life was a tribute to service, both in the military and as a civilian, leaving a lasting legacy of commitment and honor.

Dean and Bernice were married on May 14, 1955 and have been inseparable ever since. He loved her with his whole heart, and their love story was one of inseparable devotion—a true package deal everywhere they went. They moved into their dream home on October 30, 1960, where they raised their family and made their home into a living, breathing gathering place over the course of 63 years. The home embodied Dean's own spirit: open, warm, and comforting.

Dean faithfully attended and served as a delegate at Cornerstone Church and was an active and beloved member of the Free Methodist Church, serving the community and ministering to others throughout his life.

A man of few words, when Dean spoke, everyone knew to listen. He had a habit of saying the most meaningful things when you least expected it. He was quick with a dry one-liner, and those closest to him were on a constant quest to hear more about his journeys through 'The Jungles of Ecuador.' A story he told with a twinkle in his eye.

Dean enjoyed dabbling in woodworking, birdwatching, gardening, and whatever else Bernice told him to be doing. He loved a hot cup of coffee, a good donut, and sleeping…any chance he could.

He lived his life as beautifully as one can. He was a cornerstone in the lives of many and will be profoundly missed. As he takes his place high above, the light he leaves behind continues to shine through the ones he loved.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, October 11 at Cornerstone Church, 2445 S. Arlington Rd. A private interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on Thursday, October 12. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made in Dean's name to Cornerstone Church or to a mission of one's choosing.

To share a memory of Dean or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.