Melvin Stephens

Melvin Eugene Stephens, 82, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at Baptist Health Louisville Hospital.

Stephens, son of Melvin Angelo and Eva Mae (Smith) Stephens of Louisville, was a 1957 graduate of duPont Manual High School. He married Leslie Prudence Colson, daughter of John Leslie and Rita Lucille (Milner) Colson, on Nov. 4, 1961, at St. Columba Catholic Church.

Upon completing U.S. Marine Corps basic training at Parris Island, S.C., in 1959, Stephens served six years in the Marine Reserve. He joined the Louisville Fire Department in 1960 and retired as a major (district chief) in 1989 with 28 years of service, including with the Fire Prevention Bureau, officer pool, chief’s office, and as public information officer.

Gene and Leslie began a business, Duraclean Carpet and Furniture Cleaning Specialists, in 1973, operating until 1998.

In March 1998, Gene suffered an aortic dissection and was saved through the heroic efforts of Dr. Erle H. Austin III and the surgical and intensive care staff at Baptist Hospital East. His family members would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the two decades of get-togethers, birthdays, holidays, ball games and many other special moments we had the privilege of spending with him as a result of their extraordinary work.

Survivors are his wife, Leslie P. (Colson) Stephens, of Louisville; his children, Thomas E. Stephens (Anne), of Louisville; Susan J. (Stephens) Smith (Leland), of Highland Ranch, Colo.; Timothy E. Stephens (Tiffany), of Louisville; and Sheryl J. (Stephens) Belongia (Steven), of Lebanon, Ohio; eight grandchildren; a step-grandson; and two step-great grandsons. Survivors also include a niece and nephew, Teresa L. (Glessner) McElwain, of Rocky Point, N.C., and George P. Glessner III (Theresa), of Webster, N.Y. – children of his beloved late sister, Lena M. “Peggy” (Stephens) Glessner – two great-nephews, a great-niece and a great-great nephew.

Expressions of sympathy: WHAS Crusade for Children.