Thomas Craig Stephens, 69, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 2:40 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at his home. He was born January 15, 1954, in Granite City, a son of the late Thomas D. and Dixie A. (Grove) Stephens. He married Claudia R. (Corey) Stephens in 1981 at the Presbyterian Church in Mitchell and she passed away on February 1, 2015. Craig retired in 2016 from AT&T after 25 years of dedicated service with information technology. He was a member of the Granite City Eagles aerie #1126 and enjoyed games with family and on the computer. He was an avid history buff, was very knowledgeable and intrigues with the Civil War and made numerous visits to many Civil War sites throughout the United States with family. He was a collector of historical war artifacts, replicas and miniature models and also enjoyed taking in scenery on a nice drive. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Michael Bryant of Granite City; a son, Thomas Christopher Stephens of Granite City; two grandchildren, Kacie Bryant and Brock Bryant; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Jamie and Dave Morris of Crystal Lake, Amy and Scott Paterson of Granite City and Stacy and Phillip Rongey of Perryville, Missouri; seven nieces and nephews, Matt Paterson, Melissa Steitz, Shane Bourbon, Jordan Bourbon, Elizabeth Bradshaw, Pat Morris and Nick Morris; other extended family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother.
In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Sharon Autenrieth officiating. Memorials may be made to Partner’s for Pets in Troy or to the Kacie Bryant Benefit Fund at any GCS Credit Union and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com
