Logansport, IN - Charles "Chuck" Stephenson, 71, Logansport, had a big heart, and Friday morning, it finally wore out. He had the stamina of a young man and never slowed down, even after surviving four heart surgeries over the years — the one in May nearly claiming him. When his cardiologist recently gave him the all -clear, Chuck took that news the way he took everything else: with determination and a plan to keep going. He thought he would live forever and so did we.

Chuck was born in Logansport on May 30, 1955, to William R. and Lucille B. (Spitznogle) Stephenson. The fourth of eight children, he was just eleven when his father died suddenly of a heart attack at forty -three.

His mother, Lucille, was small in stature but strong in every way that mattered. After losing her husband so young, she raised eight children on a teacher's salary. She ran a tight ship when she needed to, but she taught her kids empathy, faith and the importance of a strong work ethic. She reminded them that when life gets tough, the Lord will provide.

Chuck attended St. Joseph Parochial School during his elementary years, and graduated from Lewis Cass Jr.-Sr. High School in 1973. The friendships he formed in school never faded. He was a friend for life and loved catching up at class reunions.

Neighbors stepped in during those hard years, and Chuck never forgot it. Because of that, he learned early what it meant to be a good neighbor — the kind who shows up, the kind who doesn't wait to be asked, the kind who remembers what it feels like to need help. Chuck was generous to a fault. He loved supporting projects sponsored by the Anoka Community Church. He cooked pulled pork for many Lewis Cass Alumni events, fundraisers and golf outings. He was a member of the Robert Ray Brown Walton American Legion, as well as the Elks and Moose Lodges. Chuck has also served as the Washington Township Trustee - helping people was his passion.

Chuck started working young, helping Winston "Winnie" and Etta Webster, the farmer across the highway. Agriculture was in his blood from the start — a heritage from both sides of his family tree. He couldn't imagine himself in any other line of work. Maintaining the Webster Pond was a priority for Chuck.

Farming was Chuck's life, and he took pride in doing it right. He knew what a seed could do if you gave it a good start and stayed after it. He respected the land and worked it the way he was taught. Until 1996, he had raised hogs and was active in the Cass County Pork Producers. God trusted him with a lot of acres, and Chuck never took that lightly. He used the tools he had, paid attention to the seasons, and brought in strong harvests year after year because he showed up and did the work.

On Jan. 1, 2005, in Peru, Indiana, Chuck married the love of his life, Kelly Brown Stephenson. Together they blended their families and friends into one. It wasn't always easy with a large family, and they faced their share of heartache, but they built a life full of love, and laughter. And we can only imagine the reunion in heaven when Chuck was greeted by so many family members: his parents, siblings, Michael, Mary and Lynne Stephenson, daughter, Tara Hildebrand, and great-grandbaby, Rose Charlotte Alsman, and his in-law's: Willa and Jerry Smith, and brother-in-law, Brad Brown.

Chuck was genuine in a way you don't see much anymore. He was the real deal — honest, loyal, hardworking, and true. People trusted him because he earned their respect. People loved him because, what wasn't there to love about Chuck? And people felt better when he was around because he had a way of making you feel like you were his favorite relative or his best friend.

He worked hard, but he played just as hard. Chuck was always a little boy at heart -his toys just got more expensive as he got older, He loved the feeling of the open air while riding his motorcycle. When it came to tractors, he was a New Holland guy through and through.

During planting and harvest, Chuck was up before the sun and worked late into the night. He was on a mission, and he didn't quit until the job was done. And when he wanted to relax, he did something most people wouldn't even consider - he chopped wood.

Most mornings, you could find him at Bullshippers, catching up on the latest news and enjoying the camaraderie between the regulars and the staff. He also loved spending time at his favorite hangout, the Legion in Walton. His 70th birthday party there last year was epic — one of the largest gatherings they'd ever hosted. Everyone loved Chuck.

Chuck loved his children and grandchildren with every ounce of his being. Surviving with his wife Kelly are his children: son Jared Stephenson and his daughters: Kieran and Kinley Stephenson; daughter Talee (Nathan) Hardin and their family: Derian Dalton & her son Oliver Alsman, Jackson Dalton, Nia Maroney, Decker Hardin, and Emma Hardin; son Nicholas (Jaclyn) Stephenson and their daughters: Ava, Ella, and Ryla Stephenson; daughter Shae (Jonathan) Lantz and their family: Kenyatta, Sawyer and Isaiah Lantz; and the farming buddy Chuck had mentored for years, who was like a son to him, Mark (Heather) Grandstaff and his family: Lane and Madalynn.

Growing up in a large family meant Chuck was surrounded by love, and he stayed close to his siblings throughout life: brother, George (Monica) Stephenson; and sisters, Lou (Peg Kolka) Stephenson, Joyce (Nicholas) Muschong, and Billie Stephenson. Chuck also had two special sisters by heart - Claudia Benn and Nancy Webster Corcoran. And he loved being "Uncle Chuck" to the whole tribe.

He is also survived by his father-in-law, Charles (Vernie) Brown; brother-in-law, Troy (Marcia) Smith; and his former wife, Terri (Tim) Rhodes Russell, mother of Jared, Talee and Nicholas.

It's hard to imagine a world without Chuck's smile. It was the kind of smile people looked forward to — just the right amount of orneriness and unmistakably his. He'd want people to remember him with a smile of their own and to carry on with the same zest for life he showed every day.

And if Chuck could say one thing now, it would be simple: "Be good to yourself. Thank you for loving me. You gave me a life I was proud to live."

God carried Chuck through every season of his life. And when his heart was done, God gave him what he needed most — rest and peace.

Visitation hours will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Fisher Funeral Chapel.

A funeral service celebrating Chuck's life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, in the funeral chapel.

Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Ray Brown American Legion Post 418 in Walton, the Lewis Cass Alumni Association or to a favorite charity.

You may share memories and offer condolences on Chuck's Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.