He was born on April 11, 1946 in Peoria to Clinton and Marian Maxine Culp Stephens. Gary married Cheryl Keith in Peoria on September 24, 1965. Cheryl survives. Also surviving is his son, R. Shane Stephens of Lowpoint; one daughter, Kellie Falsnaugh of Quincy; three grandchildren that he and Cheryl adopted, Zachary Stephens, Lindsey Ludwig and Isaiah Stephens and two additional grandchildren, Austin and Chelsey Stephens. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmom, Alma Stephens and a brother, Rodney. Gary had been a wireman for Enercon Engineering prior to his retirement in 2008. He loved street rodA