Willard Stephens

Willard “Duchie Dynamite” Stephens was born February 4, 1949 to the late Rosetta Dowdell Stephens and Ezell Stephens in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. John Dixie.

Willard was a very athletic and fun loving young man. He graduated from South Side High School in 1968. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army.

Willard enjoyed fishing, grilling, and he was our protector. Willard really enjoyed life!

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Michael Ezell Stephens Sr.;  a sister,  Sheila Mae Jones, a nephew, Michael Ezell Stephens Jr. and a niece, Nikki Marie Poindexter.

Willard leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Autumn Patrice, Amber Marie and son Willard Michael; life partner, Julie Souther; sisters, Barbara Brown of Detroit, Michigan, Diana (Arnold) Scruggs, Peggy (Joseph) Williams and Gwendolyn (Lewis) Poindexter all of Fort Wayne; brothers,Frederick (Ernestine) Stephens, Gregory (Sharon) Stephens, Shelton (Nina) Stephens, Jeffery (Donna) Smith and  Curtis Stephens all of Fort Wayne; uncles, Robert (Carrie) Dowdell, Isaac Hudson Stephens and James Edward Dowdell; aunts, LouCille Allen, Angeline (Jesse) Barron, Brenda Dowdell, Sarah Dowdell and Geraldine Dowdell along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Willard will be laid to rest in Lindenwood Cemetery

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