Claude Howard "Roho" Stephens

Claude Howard "Roho" Stephens, 95, of Owensboro, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the Owensboro Center. He was born May 28, 1922 in Cincinnati, OH to the late James K. Polk Stephens and Edna Powers Stephens. Howard was retired as a pipefitter and welder with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #633 and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. Howard was in five battles in Europe and had received five Bronze Battle Stars, The Bronze Star, a Unit Citation from World War II and European Theater of Operations, and the French Medal from the government. He was a member and past master of the Owensboro Masonic Lodge #130, the Daviess Co. Coonhunters Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #696, and the American Legion Post #9. Howard had been on the cemetery committee that started the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. He had been a member of the former band, "The Local Yokels" that performed at numerous places including local nursing homes, and he personally performed at Goldie's, at the Rosine Barn, and the Bluegrass Museum.

Howard was also preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Stephens on October 10, 2014, his daughter as an infant, Sharon Stephens, and four stepsons, Alan Lewis Poole, Kenneth Poole, James E. Poole, and Jerry Lee Poole.

Surviving are his son, William Howard Stephens and wife Janice of Utica, numerous step grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 6, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Thomas Webb officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday with Masonic Services at 6:30 P.M. and after 8:30 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, c/o Peggy Inklebarger, 6243 Alvey Bridge Road, Owensboro, KY 42301. Condolences to the family may be placed at www.glenncares.com.