Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens – 76 – of 1244 Maple Court, Hornell, (Town of Hornellsville) died early Tuesday morning (February 28, 2017) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in North Hornell on September 15, 1940, he was the son of Elver & Marian (Taylor) Stephens.

Ken was a lifelong resident of the Hornell area and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1959).

Ken was always known and admired for his great “work ethic”. While in high school, Ken worked for several area farmers. He would milk cows before school and return to the farms after school to milk cows again. During that same time and for a brief period following high school graduation, he was employed at the former Marion Rohr Corporation. He was actually the very first male ever hired at the company.

He was employed at the Erie Railroad, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, primarily as a Brakeman, working on the Caboose. He retired in 2002 with over 40 years of service. Always having the admiration of his co-workers, he was given the knick-name “Nice Guy” by his many friends on the railroad.

Ken had been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and an associate member of the American Legion. He was an avid golfer who not only enjoyed playing at the local golf courses but loved traveling with his golfing buddies to many out of town golf courses. In his younger years, Ken enjoyed hunting & fishing. He was a die-hard New York Yankee Fan and Buffalo Bills Fan. He also enjoyed doing yard work and carpentry projects and “tinkering” around the house. His greatest joy, however, was simply enjoying everyday life with his family!

He was married on June 25, 1960 to the former Margery “Marge” Watkins who died December 5, 2010. Ken was also preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Wing who died in 1983 and his sister, Margaret Carson who died in 2011.

Surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth “Ken” Stephens JR of Arkport and Scott (Tammy) Stephens of Canaseraga; 2 daughters, Kathryn “Katy” (Patrick) Wing of Canisteo and Erin (Rick) Smith of Dansville; 1 brother, Gerald (Karen) Stephens of Melbourne, FL; 1 sister, Judith “Judy” Adams of Hornell; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family of Kenneth E. “Ken” Stephens will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Ken’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY 14692. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.