Joe Franklin Stevens

Joe Franklin Stevens was born on July 7, 1944 in Lancaster, Kentucky. On Friday, November 15, 2019, at the tender age of 75, he earned his wings as Heaven gained another beautiful angel and we lost ours’. While the angels rejoice above, we mourn below the loss of such an incredible man. The loss of a husband, father, brother, and friend who loved with a quiet spirit and unwavering devotion.

Joe was a proud father of three; Kellie, Randall, and Brooke. He was also a devoted daddy to Clayton, Kylee, Kaytlynn, and Josh, as well as Rick, Kennette, and Kendall. Joe loved and adored his grandkids; Zac, Autumn, Cutler, Gunner, Kennedy, and Kruze.

Joe was ambitious and driven graduating from both Berea College and the University of Eastern Kentucky with a degree in corporate accounting. Joe proudly served as a CPA for Jim Brown and Paramont Ltd, for 45 years.

Joe was a private man, but he had an impeccable sense of humor and feisty spirit. He was a die-hard Trump supporter, an excellent cook, and loved Fox News which he kept on at all times. He had a beautiful heart of gold that allowed him to touch the lives of many.

Joe had many accomplishments throughout his life, but the one he was most proud of was putting himself through college during a time when all odds were stacked against him. A time in which farming took precedence over all, and college was rarely an option, yet Joe Stevens still made it happen. He farmed the land, worked a job to pay for college, and cared for his mother whom he adored. He even sacrificed his entire college savings to pay for her medical expenses. Without complaint, he began saving once more for college. Joe undeniably exemplified hard work, determination, perseverance, and selflessness.

Joe had a servant’s heart. He was exceptionally dedicated to serving and helping the Boy Scouts Troop 222 where he was an Assistant Scoutmaster for 6 years. He faithfully attended every troop meeting, Eagle Court of Honor, and Scout Sunday worship. He taught the scouts of Troop 222 how to safely handle and ride horses so they could earn the Horsemanship Merit Badge. It also afforded Joe the opportunity to share his extensive knowledge of horses. He often worked behind the scenes to provide resources in order that every scout could have the same opportunity to learn and grow through shared experiences.

 Joe was a long-time and beloved member of Rosedale Baptist Church. He actively participated in things both great and small, always ready to help whenever he could. Joe was proud to call Rosedale his home and his family as he worshipped and grew in his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Joe Stevens led a life filled with love and servitude, never expecting anything in return. He would have never wanted even a small amount of recognition such as this. If he were here to oversee this tribute, there is only one thing he would want everyone to know, the one thing he believed in the most, his wife Rhonda and the love that they shared. He cherished her and devoted himself to her happiness right from the start. They were total opposites who complimented one another entirely. She was his greatest challenge and he was her calming force. Together they had a love that was unequivocal and one of a kind just like Joe.

The truth is, this could go on and on because of the amazing man that Joe was, all the wonderful works that he did, and all the lives he touched. Joe Stevens, a man that will forever be loved, respected, adored, and honored. “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23 King James Bible 

Written by Kennette and Kendall with references from information provided by Mr. Fowlkes ’ whom we would like to thank for providing such valuable and heartwarming information about Joe’s participation in Boy Scouts [KC1]