Obituary of Albert L Stephens

Albert 'Bud' Louis Stephens, age 91, of Apalachin, NY passed away Sunday March 5, 2023. Bud was a graduate of Owego Free Academy (OFA), class of 1951. He was excited to attend his 70th class reunion in October 2021, where he was able to visit with 11 of his former classmates. Bud was a member of the OFA football and Noon Hour basketball teams. Upon graduating, he worked on the family farm until his retirement in 1997. Bud was a member of the Tioga County Zoning Board for many years. He was also a member of Farm Bureau, along side his late wife Joy, where they had many opportunities to travel. Being a farmer, Bud enjoyed the outdoors and, in the fall, loved to deer hunt with a group of family and friends. He was also a big sports fan and loved watching the NY Giants and the NY Yankees. Bud was always helping people without hesitation. One night a couple of guys got their truck stuck in a ditch by his house. They asked for help getting it out and Bud quickly jumped on his tractor. The guys paid him for his help and went on their way. The next day, Bud realized after watching the news, that these guys were wanted for robbing the gas station in Apalachin! Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Emily Stephens; wife, Joy Stephens; son, Keith Stephens; granddaughter, Sarah Stephens; brothers, William and Jerry Stephens; and sister, Bobbi Gibson. He is survived by sons, Michael Stephens and Kevin Stephens; daughter, Shelly Efland (Bill); grandchildren, Bryan Stephens, Elijah Stephens, Erica Stephens, Erin Durham (Brian), and Trey Efland (Adrienne); and great-grandchildren, Jackson Stephens, Eli Stephens, Savannah Durham, and Elliana Durham, Brother Dave (DeDe) Stephens along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 11 at South Apalachin Baptist Church, 4116 Pennsylvania Ave, Apalachin, NY 13732. The family will receive visitors from 4pm – 7pm, Friday, March 10, at Coleman and Daniel Funeral Home, 6519 NY-434, Apalachin, NY 13732. The family would like to express our thanks to Alex and Bety of Home Instead for the wonderful help and care, as well as Riverview Nursing Home for their kindness and compassion during his few months there. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bud's name to South Apalachin Baptist Church.