Sidney M. Stephens

Sidney M. Stephens passed away in his home Sept. 22, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lella Stephens, and his sister Marie Hunter. Sid was born in Golconda, Ill. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served as sergeant drill instructor during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture. He specialized in cotton seed treatment, and developed several new cotton breeds he marketed under Americot name. He is survived by his by his wife of 60 plus years, Betty Jo Walker; his daughters, Cynthia Louise Witkowski and her husband James John Witkowski; his son, James Dennis Stephens; his granddaughter Katheryn Marie Witkowski and her fiancé Tomas James Manning; four sisters, Dortha Lang, Elsie Winchell, Essie Usherwood, and Shirley Williams. Sid loved visiting the mountains, flying, water sports, and gardening. His life will be celebrated Sept. 26,2017 at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. Visitation at 1 p.m., followed by service at 2 p.m., www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.