John M. Stephens, 68, of Labadie passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at his home. He took his last breath surrounded by his family and several of his dearest friends, at the end of a full day of peaceful rest.

John, son of the late Marshall Stephens and wife Marge (Huntington) was born August 30, 1951 in St. Louis.

He worked as the building manager for the YMCA in Washington from 1998 until his retirement in 2016.

John's passion was for music. As a performing musician, he played upright bass and sang locally and out of town with the Pik'n Lik'n, Ozark Witch Hazel, Raven Moon and others. He also had technical skills which enhanced his and others' music, running lights for touring bands including those of Bob Segar, Ted Nugent, and BTO.

John was known for his sense of humor and always enjoyed making people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Marge Stephens and his nephew, Brian Wiseman.

John is survived by two sisters, Lynn Lade and husband Scott of Green Bay, WI and Jan Trager and husband James of Pacific; two nieces, Kristin Pekoll and husband James of Forest Park, IL and Anna Takacs of Villa Ridge; great niece and nephews, Nathan, Annie and Joey; his kitty, Sally; other relatives and many friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to friends Sam Dyle, Butch and Sandy Rogers, Gary Jones, Janie Tussey, Joe Forget and other family members and friends for their care and compassion shared in John's long journey. They would also thank Mercy Hospice, and Home Instead staff for their help and compassionate care of John during his last days.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring in Washington with food and Band Members playing to honor John's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Jan and James Trager for a memorial park bench in Pacific are preferred.