Harry S. Stephens, 83, of Bluffton, was called home to be with the Lord on Oct. 20, 2011. He was born on Feb. 11, 1928, in Huntington, to Andy and Hattie (Taylor) Stephens. He married Avon Lund in Markle on Nov. 19, 1948; she survives. He enjoyed playing sports at West Union High School. He and Avon farmed in the Markle area for many years, eventually purchasing a farm northeast of Markle. Harry was later a co-owner of G&H Fertilizer in Markle and Bluffton. He was active as a parent/leader with the Boy Scout troop of Markle and enjoyed many camp outs and trips with the scouts. He participated in sports including basketball, softball and bowling. He was a member of the Markle United Methodist Church and joyfully served the Lord through Lay Witness Missions and InterVarsity Christian fellowship. Harry and Avon later moved to Florida for most of each year and they owned property there in Lake Placid. While there, he developed residential properties, designing and building custom homes. He was an avid fisherman and relished the chance to enjoy a waterfront home on a bass lake. In addition to fishing, Harry enjoyed travel with Avon, woodworking, and caring for his fish ponds. In his later years he developed a strong interest in researching his ancestors and succeeded in tracing his roots back to his great-great-grandfather, a pioneer farmer, born in 1804. He took delight in all of his family, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Other surviving relatives include a son, Kent (Linda) Stephens of Dublin, Ohio; a daughter, Patti (Ernie) Beck of Craigville; a sister, Audrey (Leonard) Swihart of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren, Kendra (Anthony) Elkins of Pickerington, Ohio and Joel (Megan) Stephens of Hilliard, Ohio; and three great-grandchildren, Jude Elkins, Jadon Elkins and Sullivan Stephens. Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Goodwin Memorial Chapel in Bluffton. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home with the Rev. Larry Sheets officiating. Burial will be at the Markle Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Family Hospice and Palliative Care in Berne. Online condolences: www.thegmcfamily.com