Paul Dean Stephens, also known as Paul Bunyan, age 75, of Pierce City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Stephens, son of Ivan and Thelma "Babe" (Nodine) Stephens, was born on December 14, 1942, in Washburn, Missouri. He was a 1960 graduate of Washburn High School. On September 26, 1964, he was united in marriage to Joan Witt; she preceded him in death on October 29, 2002. Mr. Stephens loved rodeos and was very dedicated at running the roads to watch his children and grandchildren participate. He enjoyed his nightly trips to the local truck stop where he enjoyed supper and visiting with friends, as well as his daily trips to Kenny's Barber Shop. Mr. Stephens attended United Methodist Independent Church in Monett. He was a friend to many and will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include his son David Stephens, of Pierce City; his daughter, Toni Gower and her husband Randy, of Okemaha, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Ashley McCartney and her husband Nate, Gannyn Gower, Ryan Malin Crowe, and Lindsey Painter and her husband Robert; four step-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Joe Stephens and his wife Carlene, and Bill Stephens, all of Cassville, and Jackie Stephens and Ronnie Stephens, both of Washburn; one sister, Coleen Bowman, of Exeter; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son and an infant daughter; one grandson, Cody Stephens; one brother, Carl Gene Stephens; and one sister, Winnie Searl.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018, at the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, with Pastor Ronnie Howerton and Pastor Roger Beach officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monett. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18th at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be to the Washburn School Back Pack Program and entrusted to the White Funeral Home and Crematory P.O. Box 890, Cassville, MO 65625.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.