James William “Gunny” Stephens, 72, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his home.

He was born December 21, 1952, in Cassville, Mo. the son of James Albert “Spiz” and Billie Ann (Ledgerwood) Stephens. 

Preceding him in death were his parents and first wife, Debra (Marshall) Stephens.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Manwarren; sons, Chris Stephens of Cassville, Mo., Jeff Stephens of Springfield, Mo.; sister, Jil Hunt of Olathe, Kan.; an aunt, Martha Watt of Clovis, Calif. Additional survivors include, Nick Manwarren and wife Autumn of Purdy, Mo.; Heather Cumpton and husband Allan of Cassville, Mo.; five grandchildren; nephews, Nick Hunt and Caleb Hunt and many great nephews and nieces, as well as countless others.

He grew up in Cassville and graduated from Cassville High School in 1971. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 until retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1992. He earned his degree from Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tenn., in 1990. He served as president of American Legion Post 118 in Cassville for several years. After returning home from the military, he worked at Les Jacob’s Ford as the finance manager for several years. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. S.T. Ledgerwood will conduct the services. Burial with military honors will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Mo..

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Gunny.