Otto Joseph Stephens, retired Game Warden and cattle farmer passed away on February 21, 2013 at Rosepine Retirement Center.  Otto was born March 22, 1918 in Leesville, LA to Willie G. and Doshie (Cryer) Stephens.  He passed away a few weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

A longtime resident of the Cottonwood Community, Mr. Stephens entered the Army in January, 1941.  While at Camp Shelby, Mississippi for training, he met and married Adell Pace and they enjoyed 65 and 1/2 years of marriage before her death in 2008.  While in the Army, Mr. Stephens served in the campaigns of New Guinea & Luzon, receiving a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, American Theater Ribbon and World War Two Victory Medal.  Additionally he was awarded a JRTC appreciation medal in 2010.  He recently received the Louisiana Veterans honor Medal.

After his military career, Mr. Stephens was hired as a Louisiana Wildlife Game Technician in 1964.  In 1966, he was commissioned as Louisiana Game Warden.  He retired in 1980 from his career as game warden, a job he took great pride in.

Those left to cherish his memory are his adopted family, Eugene and Corinne Broxson of Merryville, LA; adopted grandson, Preston E. Broxson of Cottonwood, LA; adopted granddaughter, Sarah Grace Broxson of Lubbock, TX; nieces, Lee Ann Street of Cottonwood, LA and Ruby Alexander of Irving, TX; nephews, Eddie Stephens of Cottonwood, LA, Jim Stephens of Baton Rouge, LA, Glynn Stephens of Morgan City, LA and Hugh Street of Philippines; 9 great nieces and nephews; 13 great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, two brothers, James Ottis Stephens and Robert Calvin Stephens, and sister, Lula Mae Stephens Burden.  Pallbearers, Russell Brack, Preston Broxson, Wendell Lee Smith, Brian Street, Joshua Street and Nathaniel Street.  Honorary Pallbearers are Sam Craft, Buck Fellows, Frankie Howard, Chris Jeane, Roland Mitcham, Garth Mitcham, Joe Simmons, Buck Spillers, Eddie Stephens, Glynn Stephens, James O. Stephens, Jr. and Russell Suire.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA with funeral service beginning at 3:00pm.  Burial will follow at Hinson Cemetery in the Knight Community, LA.  Rev. T.J. Bordelon will officiate. The family wishes to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice & Rosepine Retirement Home and Dr. Pandya.

In lieu of flowers, Otto and Adell requested that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Donations may be mailed to St. Jude’s-Tribute account #32951321, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148.