Charles M. Stephenson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Charles M. Stephenson, 86, of Marion, formerly of Plumville, passed away at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, April 5, 2009, at his home.

Charles was born on Aug. 19, 1922, in Harrisburg to Louie M. and Nona (Wier) Stephenson. He married Opal R. Lollar on Aug. 19, 1944, in Marion. She survives of Marion.

Mr. Stephenson began his career teaching grade school in Williamson County. For the next several years he worked the land on his farm in rural Marion, but retired in 1979 after working many years as a mechanic for Orient No. 6 Mine.

He was a Baptist and enjoyed farming, gardening and spending time on his tractor.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Judy Stephenson of Marion, a son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Philecia Stephenson of Marion; a daughter, Sharon Mandrell of Marion; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Stephenson of Pittsburg; six grandchildren, Bryann Stephenson and wife Shaunetta of Marion, Lisa Mandrell of Norway; Chris Mandrell of Marion, Andria Murrah and husband Brian of Pittsburg, Jerod Stephenson and wife Cassidy of Marion and Keri Edwards and husband Andrew of Marion; eight great-grandchildren plus two due in August, Cody Stephenson, Ethan Murrah, Carson Murrah, Jacob Edwards, Cegan Stephenson, Nolan Murrah, Caleb Stephenson and Joshua Edwards; a sister, Mary H. Lollar of Marion; a sister-in-law, Anna Mae Motsinger of Crab Orchard; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donald Stephenson; son-in-law, Terry Mandrell; and brothers-in-law, Lawrence Motsinger and Jewell Lollar.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. The Rev. Eddie Donelson will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant-Poordo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2009, at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.

Memorial donations are suggested to Mt. Pleasant/Poordo Cemetery and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market St., Marion, Ill. 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit the Internet site www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.