Keith Stephens

Keith M. Stephens, also known by many as "Bobcat," 77, of Jackson joined his heavenly family Friday, April 29, 2016, at his home near Fruitland after a courageous battle with cancer .

He was born Aug. 22, 1938, in McGee, Missouri, to Oren Glen and Thelma Rodgers Stephens. He and Patricia "Pat" Purcell Stephens were married Sept. 16, 1961, at Vacaville, California.

Keith proudly served his country from May 1957 to May 1961 in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.

He was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Jackson, where he served as deacon for more than 30 years. He loved to greet people, and many times would be the first one to give you a smile and handshake as you entered church.

Keith worked for Midwest Sterilization in Jackson for 18 years in maintenance -- a "jack of all trades."

After retirement, he worked part time for B&B Door as a delivery driver for several years.

He had a real passion for fishing, restoring his '65 Ford pickup truck and drag racing. As a young man, he was on a drag racing team several years.

He also was a good softball player in his day, both fast-pitch and slow-pitch.

He loved his family and church family very much, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Stephens of Jackson; daughter Rebekah (James Matthew) Manwarring of St. Louis; brother Gary (Barbara) Stephens of Harvester, Missouri; sister Jean (the Rev. Ray) Placher of Puxico, Missouri; granddaughters Karly Patrice and Stevie Jean Manwarring of St. Louis; and his faithful dog, Pepper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Keith Alan Stephens.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Lucas Clabough and Ray Placher officiating. Burial will be at Brown Church Cemetery in Puxico at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church Jackson Building Fund or Brown Church Cemetery, Puxico.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.