Elden E Stephen Sr.

Elden E. Stephen Sr., 87, of Great Falls passed away Friday, January 24, 2014 at a local care facility of natural causes. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2014 through Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 9 am to 5 pm at O’Connor Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral home is handling arrangements. Elden was born July 22, 1926 to Earl and Ella Stephen in Joes, CO. He was raised and educated there, graduating from Joes High School. On August 20, 1950 he was united in marriage to Anna Mae Hudson. He farmed in Colorado until entering the United States Army in November of 1950. He served proudly during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952. At the time of his discharge he was stationed in Alaska and remained there for 2 years. After returning to the states, he attended Colorado School of Trades in Lakewood, CO, studying Gunsmithing. In 1956 he moved to Great Falls. He owned and operated Stephen’s Gun Shop until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the American Custom Gun Makers Guild, patron member of the National Rifle Association, and life member of the Winchester Collector Association. Elden enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping; shooting and collecting guns. Elden is survived by his children, Elden Stephen Jr. of Kalispell, Errol (Debbie) Stephen of Great Falls, and Evelyn (Kevin) Kundert of Belgrade; brothers Wendell Stephen of Weed, CA and Dean Stephen of Sedalia, CO; grandchildren Elijah, Caleb (Angie), Joseph (Hailey), Ashley (Michael), Konnor (Sara), Stephany, Kash (Kelli), and Dillon (Carly); and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Anna Mae Stephen in 2002; and son Ed Stephen in 1987. Memorials are suggested to Living Church of God at lcg.org or P.O. Box 3810, Charlotte, NC 28227-8010