Donald "Sparky" Dean Stephenson, Jr

Donald Dean "Sparky" Stephenson, Jr., 69, of Beardstown, died Saturday, April 25, 2026, at his home.

He was born on October 28, 1956, in Jacksonville, the son of Donald Dean Stephenson Sr. and Rosemary Newman Stephenson. He married Margo Jolley on February 1, 1980, in Chambersburg, and they shared 46 years of marriage together. She survives in Beardstown.

He is also survived by two sons, Dustin Stephenson (wife Megan) of Clayton and Darin Stephenson (companion Jenn Wise) of Beardstown; two grandsons, Boston and Jayden; one sister, Marcia Dormire (husband Dennis) of Mt. Sterling; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Dawson Stephenson.

Don graduated from Meredosia-Chambersburg High School with the class of 1974 and went on to study automotive at Quincy Tech. He began his working years farming with Lew Cummings in Chambersburg, later working at Pilger Farms Hog Operation in Beardstown and spending 17 years as a scale operator at Excel/Cargill. After earning his CDL through Lincoln Land, he started a new chapter as a long-haul truck driver with Gully and FFE, where one of the unique challenges of the job included hauling "swinging beef." He later hauled tankers in Jacksonville for Landes Trucking and also took great pride in serving his community as a school bus driver for Beardstown.

Don was a member of First Christian Church in Beardstown. He never knew a stranger. He enjoyed time on his tractor, whether working or helping others, and in the winter could often be found scooping snow. In quieter moments, he could be found watching westerns or making popcorn on the stove. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers fan. He also found great joy in coaching Little League and Minor League baseball for both of his boys, as well as neighborhood kids, a role he truly loved and took pride in. Above all, he was devoted to his wife and proud of the life they built together. His sons carried on his strength and values, and his grandsons were his pride and joy-the reason he kept going and the ones who brought out his biggest smiles.

Per Donald's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held from 3-5 PM Saturday, May 2, 2026 at First Christian Church in Beardstown. There will be no formal services and burial will be held at a later date. A meal and time of fellowship will be held at the church after the visitation. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Beardstown Christian Academy. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.