Claude Stephens

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Claude F. Stephens, 96, of Advance was born July 12, 1914, in McGee, Mo., the son of James and Ada Trafford Stephens, and passed away Oct. 3, 2010, at the Chaffee Nursing Center.

Claude had been a cattle farmer for 20 years. He had been a construction worker for 13 years. He had been a merchant at Qulin, Mo. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Advance. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. He had been a Grand Lecture for 33 years and received a standing ovation in St. Louis for his service in the lodge.

Claude and Norma Fronabarger were united in marriage on March 10, 1938, at West Plains, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Shirley Morries of Collinsville, Ill.; a son, Don Stephens of Redford, Mo.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. The Rev. George Miller will officiate, with the Rev. Eric Shrum and the Rev. Don Stephens assisting.

Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.