STEPHENS, Russell Howard, age 92 of Davison, died Tuesday June 24, 2014 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday June 28, 2014 at the Hansen Funeral Home Groves Chapel, Downtown Davison. Pastor Dave Boillat officiating, Burial will follow at Davison Cemetery with military honors by Davison VFW Post #4087. Family will receive visitors from 2-8 pm Thursday and Friday. Those desiring may make contributions in Russell's memory to the Davison Educational Foundation or the Wounded Warriors.

Russell was born in Richfield Township Michigan on May 27, 1922 the son of the late John & Blanche (Tower) Stephens, and had resided in the Davison area most of his life. He was joined in marriage to Anita Bernice Prine on March 21, 1941 and she preceded him in death January 12, 2006.

Russell was a graduate of Davison High School class of 1940. After graduation he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played in their minor league system.

Answering the call of his country, Russell served in the US Army during WW II. His love of baseball and youth programs allowed him to help originate the Babe Ruth Baseball League in Cheboygan in 1953. He continued this passion as a founding member of the Davison VFW Little League in 1969. Mr. Stephen's had a love of community and education. He was a member of the Davison Board of Education during the 1960's. He also was a candidate for the 79th District State House of Representatives in 1964. He also was an active member of Davison VFW Post 4087, and Lapeer American Legion Post #16.

Russ was employed by the International Shoe Company from 1950-1956. He operated from 1962 Stephens Realty and Tax Services until his retirement.

Surviving are children: Lynwood (Anita) Stephens, Beverly,(Richard) Clark, Matt Stephens, and Mark (Debbie) Stephens, eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Also surviving is Sister Keitha Rubel and a host of other relatives. He is preceded in death by brothers: Richard, Donald, Robert, Ralph, Harold, Kenton, Duane, and sisters, Shirley, Gladys, Helen, and Dorothy. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Oaks at Woodfield, and Jean and Michelle at Genesys Hospital ICU. Share your condolences at www.hansenfuneralhome.net

His son, Larry, preceded him in death in 2009.