Edward W. "Ed" Stephens, age 83 of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at St. Anne Mercy Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on July 15, 1940 to the late Carl and Lura Lucille (Phillips) Stephens in Defiance, Ohio. Ed proudly served our country in the U.S. Army and earned his Bachelor's degree from Defiance College. In 1969 he married Pamela (Bowers) Stephens who survives.

Ed was a faithful member at St. Mary Catholic Church, VFW #3360 and Elks Lodge #147. He worked for 30 years at Dinner Bell Foods. He also worked at CCNO as a supervisor for 18 years until his retirement. Ed was a past member of the Defiance Police Department Auxiliary and later joined Defiance County Sheriff's Department as an Associate Deputy and worked part-time with the Sheriff's Office as court security. Ed enjoyed karate and playing tennis. He also was a part-time assistant tennis coach for Defiance High School for several years. He enjoyed traveling to Lido Beach in Florida and Clear Lake, Indiana with Pam, and being with his family. He treasured his time spent with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and spending the summers together. Ed always had a smile to share and will be greatly missed by his family and many good friends and colleagues. Ed is survived by his loving wife Pamela Stephens of Defiance, his son, Doug (Kendra) Stephens of Upper Arlington, OH, and his grandchildren, Jack, Emme and Luke Stephens. He also leaves behind his brothers, Philip Stephens, Robert (Mary) Stephens and David (Marsha) Stephens, all of Defiance, his niece Kendra (Matt) Schlueter and his nephew Kellan (Jessica) Stephens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lura Lucille Stephens. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A private funeral service will be held for his immediate family. Ed will be laid to rest at Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society or Wounded Warriors. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/

Wounded Warriors Project
Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675,
Tel: Better Business Bureau 877.TEAM.WWP
Web: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=676&campaignSource=CDRO&source=BS13081

To Donate under a specific person's name, please use the link and use the online form.