Eli "E.J." Stephens, Jr.

Funeral services for Eli John Stephens, Jr. will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA with Rev. Clyde Miley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches, LA. 71457, LA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on August 26, 2016 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. “E.J.” Stephens, Jr., 87 years of age, passed away August 24, 2016. He was born September 23, 1928 in Natchitoches, LA. He was a wonderful man and servant to his community, dedicating around 40 years of his life working at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office. He enjoyed gardening and watching baseball, as well as walking outdoors. He loved to tease people, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lynelle Reed Stephens of Natchitoches, LA; his sons, Stanley Keith Stephens and wife Cindy of Houston, TX, John Alan Stephens and wife Donna of Georgetown, TX, and Craig Duane Stephens and wife Sharon of Natchitoches, LA; his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Moreland and husband Roger of Hot Springs, AR; his seven grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Wayne, Matt, Mischa, Sarah, and Joseph; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Ruby Allen of Marthaville, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli John Stephens, Sr and Clara Cox Stephens; his daughter, Brenda Jones; his son, Terry Glenn Stephens; his grandson, Garrett Jones; three sisters, Pearl Gray, Birtye Gray, Marzette Foster; and two brothers, Wesley Stephens and Elijah Stephens. Those honored to be pallbearers will be Wayne Stephens, Matt Stephens, Bradley Reed, Mike Breedlove, John D. Grayson, and Paul Keyser.