Stephen Bence

CHARLESTON – Stephen Bence, 61, of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at SBLHC.

His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Memorials in his honor may be made to the Betty Hawkins Scholarship Fund or to The American Heart Association.

Stephen was born February 26, 1958 at Long Beach, CA, son of Kenneth and Betty (Brewer) Bence.  He married Kathy Talbott, August 23, 1986 in their home; she survives.  Also surviving are his children: Sarah (Andrew) Switzer of Charleston and Tara (Dale) Golladay of Ashmore; grandchildren: Destiny (Jake Johnson) Painter of Ashmore, Carson Packer and Jackson Switzer, both of Charleston; great-grandchildren: Avery Johnson and Emma Johnson, both of Ashmore; his father: Kenneth Bence of Charleston; brothers: David Bence of Charleston and Kevin (Jill)  Bence of Hoopeston, IL; and sisters: Vickie Mercer of Midway, CA, Glenda Beckett of Salem, OR, Pam Hernandez of San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Dawn Bence of Springfield, OR.  He was preceded in death by his mother: Betty Hawkins.

Stephen was a U.S. Navy veteran.  He had worked at Midstate Foundry, Blaw-Knox, and WalMart.  He loved being outside, landscaping, remodeling his home, and being around family.  He loved all sports, but especially liked the Cubs and the Rams.  He enjoyed the Rolling Stones, and watching NASCAR.  While he was at Blaw-Knox, he had been a CNC Press Operator, and had learned to cut figures out of metal.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.