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James William “Gunny” Stephens

Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 6:35 PM

By Brittany Gasama

James William “Gunny” Stephens, age 72, passed away on December 18, 2025.

James William “Gunny” Stephens, age 72, of Cassville, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his home.

He was born December 21, 1952, in Cassville, Missouri the son of James Albert “Spiz” and Billie Ann (Ledgerwood) Stephens. On September 7, 2013, in Cassville, Missouri he was united in marriage to Sarah Manwarren, who survives. Also surviving are sons, Chris Stephens of Cassville, Missouri, Jeff Stephens of Springfield, Missouri; sister, Jil Hunt of Olathe, Kansas and an aunt, Martha Watt of Clovis, California. Additional survivors include, Nick Manwarren and wife Autumn of Purdy, Missouri; Heather Cumpton and husband Allan of Cassville, Missouri; grandchildren, Mikayla Manwarren, Teagan Manwarren, Logan Manwarren, Nakoma Cumpton and Maxwell Cumpton; He was greatly loved by nephews, Nick Hunt and Caleb Hunt and many great nephews and nieces, as well as countless others.

Preceding him in death were his parents and first wife, Debra (Marshall) Stephens. James grew up in Cassville and graduated from Cassville High School in 1971. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 until retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1992. On March 20, 1976 he married Debra Marshall. James earned his degree from Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee in 1990. He served as president of American Legion Post 118 in Cassville for several years. After returning home from the military, James worked at Les Jacob’s Ford as the finance manager for several years. He enjoyed hunting, shooting guns and hanging out at The 80.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. S.T. Ledgerwood will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Gunny. 

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences

FOHN FUNERAL HOME
Cassville, Missouri
417-847-2141

 

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