of Conway, AR
January 25, 1925 - May 15, 2016
Tounz Carroll Stephens, 91, of Conway, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2016. He was born January 25, 1925 in Naylor, Arkansas.
Tounz was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Alma Lea Hall Stephens; his parents, Wesley A. Stephens and Ila Ogden Stephens; and a brother, L.P. Stephens.
Tounz is survived by his daughter, Carol Stephens Daves and husband Velton; grandsons, Daniel Cole Daves and wife Katherine of Little Rock, and David Keith Daves of Fayetteville; and two great-grandchildren, Lydia Elfrida Daves and John River Reid Daves, both of Little Rock. He is also survived by his brother Cecil Stephens (wife Mary) of Conway; sister, Corinth Stephens Willbanks of Conway; and brother, Edward Stephens of Guy.
Tounz is a veteran of the Pacific Theater of World War II. He was an anti-aircraft gunner aboard the USS Idaho and USS Maryland. He survived a kamikaze attack while serving aboard the USS Maryland during which he sustained a shoulder injury that he managed the rest of his life. He crossed the International Dateline in the South Pacific on his 19th birthday in 1944. He participated in the Island Hopping campaign of the South Pacific.
Tounz was a machinist at Westinghouse/Phillips in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a union negotiator with the IBEW. He was a member of Iron Springs Lodge #342 and a 33rd degree Mason. He was a shrine clown and a member of Scimitar Shrine Temple of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a member of Salem Methodist Church of Conway, Arkansas.
An avid outdoorsman, Tounz enjoyed deer, hog, and turkey hunting, fishing, camping, and teaching his grandsons how to be good sportsmen. He was an excellent marksman who took great pride in shooting well. A career machinist, he had a large collection of specialty tools. All throughout his life, he enjoyed taking long trips, pulling his camper around the country, especially through the Southwest and the Rocky Mountain region.
Everyone who met Tounz knew him as a loyal friend who would be there for them in times of distress. He always had a positive attitude even during the toughest times. He was very independent and strong, and he fought a hard fight against cancer to which he eventually succumbed.
The end of Tounz's life was made more comfortable by staying in his own home with the help of his daughter and grandsons, Arkansas Hospice, Home Instead, and Faulkner County In-home Care. His last days were spent surrounded by family and friends who took special care of him.
Several of Tounz's nephews will serve as pallbearers. They are Rick Willbanks, Lewis Paul Stephens, Jeff Stephens, David Stephens, Larry James Stephens, David Hall, and Howard Hall.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Interment will be in the veteran's section of Crestlawn Cemetery in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
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10 Condolence(s)
Paula Strack
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Dear Carol and family:
Ronnie and I just returned from vacation and learned about your dad. I am so sorry. I know you and your family are going to miss him terribly. Know that Ronnie and I are thinking of you at this time and are very sorry for your loss.
Laura Nelsen
Thursday, May 19, 2016
I'll always have fond memories of all the camping trips I was invited to go on when Carol and I were young. His knowledge of the outdoors and kindness were always very special. His love for his family was evident in all he did.
Scarlett hall
Thursday, May 19, 2016
You will be very missed. I remember making breakfast with you on Saturday mornings when me and my dad would come over to visit. I love you Tounz. Keeping the family in my prayers.
Billie Stephens
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Praying for peace for the family during this time. I was so sorry to hear about Tounz. Billie Stephens
Roy Crowder
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
I have very fond memories of my time working with Tounz at Westinghouse. Tounz was always the same guy everyday no matter the crowd or situation; always s pleasure to be around. Tounz helped me prepare for my membership in the Iron Springs Lodge. I will always remember him as the kind and caring guy he was.
Gale Garrison
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Carol, Velton and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Terri Powell
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
My dear sweet Mr. Tounz, how I enjoyed many conversations, smiles, and hugs. I will miss you. We ALL will miss seeing you at the restaurant, but especially Kim and me. Prayers for your family, I know they will miss you dearly, you were a great and wonderful man.
loretta keathley
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Carol and family...this is Loretta that took care of your mom...so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Both your mom and dad were very special people and always made me feel so welcome in their home. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Morgan and Sam Gregory
Monday, May 16, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss! Praying for your family!
Jennifer Freeman
Monday, May 16, 2016
I have so much love and respect for Uncle Tounz and always enjoyed his company. He was so good to check on family and friends that were sick and knew when to be serious and when to crack a little joke.
When I was young, I used to love seeing him dressed as a clown for the Shriner's Circus events and he would even send me tickets for my kids to go to the circus when they were young. He would also attend our family get togethers and took our last family photo before Ed died.
Tounz was so fun and loved his family.
Prayers to Carol, Velton, and the boys.