Gary Allen Stephens

Gary Allen "Archie" Stephens, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015, at his home, after a seven year battle of fighting colon cancer. Gary was born October 8, 1952 in Moses Lake to Ewell and Mary I. (Simpson) Stephens. Raised and schooled in Othello, he played baseball, basketball and some football during his high school years. He graduated in 1971. He was a life long member of the Church of Christ and was baptized in the Othello Church of Christ. He met Cheree Stone while in high school and they married December 23, 1972 in Othello. Gary worked in the grocery business, living in Colfax and then moving to Ephrata where he worked as assistant manager. In the mid 70's they moved to Kennewick where he worked for Albertsons. Gary went to work for Fleeners Grocery Store. In 1978 Gary was offered a job with GTE as a Lineman, in construction in Kennewick He worked in Kennewick until he was transferred in 1997 to Wenatchee. Gary worked for GTE all through the name changes, Verizon, and Frontier. After 28 years he retired in 2012. He later took a part-time job as bus driver for Link Public Transportation. Gary was a member of the Eagles 204 and served as a Trustee for 5 years. He was a member of the CWA Union (Communication Workers Association) Restoring his 56 Ford pickup was one of Gary's pastimes. He loved to camp, Walleye fish and travel in his RV. He and Cheree took a 6 week trip across the U.S. Gary enjoyed playing golf. He was a devoted 12th man fan. He was preceded in death by his father, E. B. Stephens of Othello. Gary is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cheree Stephens, East Wenatchee; son, Jamie (Brooke) Stephens, Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Emma Stephens, Richland, WA, Erik Stephens, Simpsonville, SC; sister, Ginger (Dennis) Niva, Arlington, WA, brothers, Paul (Brenda) Stephens, Redmond, OR, Tim (Joy) Stephens, Kennewick, WA ,In-laws Fred (Jean) Stone, Umatilla, OR, and his mother, Jean Stephens, Arlington. You are invited to leave messages for his family on his online guestbook at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Gary has requested any memorial donations may be given to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, www.seattlecca.org . Viewing will be Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 3-7pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee. A Celebration of life will be Friday, May 8, 2015, 1:00 pm at the F.O.E. #204 Wenatchee Eagles. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Gary Allen Stephens

October 8, 1952 - May 3, 2015