William Lee Stephens, Sr., 75, of Collinsville Ill., born Dec. 29, 1937, in Venice Ill., died Friday, March 22, 2013, at his residence of 50 years.

He was retired from Laclede Steel and was a workaholic. He was definitely a 'jack of all trades' and his kids thought he was superman! He and his wife are foster parents and have had 78 children in 27 years.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jessica Stephens; mother and father, Darlene Ray and Clyde (Carolyn) Stephens; and his brothers, Tom Stephens, Jimmy W Stephens and Duke Stephens.

Surviving are his wife, Angel; his children, Wm. (Crystal) Stephens Jr., Rhonda (Randy) Futrell, Mark(Katie) Stephens, Jimmy Stephens, Darrin (Chris) Stephens, Saprina (Matt) Stephens, BillieJo (Ron) Reed, Bridget Stephens, Johnny Stephens and James Stephens; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; twin greats on the way; sisters, MaryLou Johnson and Donna Dell; brothers, Gene (Bert) Stephens, Danny Stephens, and Clark (Cindy) Ray; in-laws, Connie Stephens, Melba Stephens, Carl Wright, Marilyn Sukovaty, Kay Delong, Curt Wright and David Wright; a permanent foster son, Patrick Jarvis; numerous beloved nieces and nephews!; and many others who just called him PawPaw or Grandpa.

Bill made one last contribution to the research of Parkinson's in hopes of helping others. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to his wife.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday March 30, 2013 at Alpha & Omega Christian Fellowship, Collinsville, Ill.