Loyal S. Stephens…April 1, 1935 – February 9, 2017

Funeral services for Loyal Stephens will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at United Methodist Church of Las Animas, Colorado with Pastor Gail Allen officiating. Interment will follow at the Bent/Las Animas Cemetery in Las Animas, Colorado.

Loyal Samuel Stephens, known to most as “Sammy”, was born on April 1, 1935 to William J. and Mignonette V. (Funk) Stephens in Las Animas, Colorado and passed away on February 9, 2017 in La Junta, Colorado at the age of 81.

Loyal was a lifetime resident of Las Animas and graduated from Bent County High School in 1956 and Otero Junior College in 1958. Loyal also served in the National Guard. Loyal met his pretty blonde bride from Ordway and they were married May 17, 1964. To this blessed marriage of 52 years 4 children were born. Loyal owned and operated his 100 year old homesteaded ranch south of Las Animas which they grew over the years. In his early years, Loyal also did construction, worked at the sale barn, and did custom farming and hauling. Loyal also farmed and was a DeKalb Seed dealer for many years. Loyal was a family man, devoted friend and loving husband. Old fashion morals and values and a love of the Lord is what he based his life upon and hard work, honor, and dedication was the way of his life. Loyal was always willing to lend a hand to help a neighbor. Loyal enjoyed in his younger years playing his old guitar and yodeling on his tractor or horse and then later in years he traded that in for quality time spent teaching his grandchildren his way of life. Loyal took great pride and enjoyment working side by side with his children and grandchildren with the daily operation of the ranch and farming and always had time to attend the grandchildren’s school, rodeo, and country fair activities leaving in all their hearts a legacy that will continue with generations to come.

Loyal is survived by his wife, Ilene (Grasmick) Stephens of Las Animas, Colorado; children, Troy Truitt (Nicole) Stephens of Las Animas, Colorado, Wendee (Randy) Corsentino of Fowler, Colorado, Lolene “Dustee” (Jason) Nichols of Las Animas, Colorado; sister, Jacqueline Ford of Fort Collins, Colorado; 9 grandchildren, Derrick, Drew Dacey Corsentino, Cutter, Roper, Brander, Dallee Nichols, Brandee and Isaac Stephens; great grandchild, Karsen Darran Corsentino; nieces and nephews, Claudia Burkepile, Randy, Greg, Bill, Tyler, and Eddie Ford, Doug, Kent, and Brad Grasmick; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Darran Stephens; parents, William John Stephens and Mignonette V. (Funk) Stephens; siblings, Harold W. Stephens, Winifred Jo Stephens, Claudine Stephens, Wilma Harris; and nephew, Doug Harris.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431 Las Animas, CO 81054.

For more information, or to leave online condolences, please visit http://www.horberfuneralchapel.com