Joseph “Joe” D Stephon, 49, passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Born October 5, 1974, in Dover, Ohio, he was the son of Richard Stephon and the late Robin McNutt Stephon. Joe was a 1993 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. Later in life he earned a bachelor’s in communication from Kent State Tuscarawas and a master’s in special education from Youngstown State University.
On March 25, 2000, Joe married Julie Levengood and they spent the next 24 years creating a life that lived up to only their own expectations. Together they raised their fur children Farley Maxwell, Finley Matthew, and Dr. Butters Worthington.
Joe was employed as an intervention specialist at STAR Alternative School and was in his second season as the Ride Supervisor for RTY Inc at Tuscora Park. Joe’s kindness and loving nature was evident as he spent his life in service to the youth of his community. Joe had a natural connection with children which served him well as a youth minister, Boy Scout leader, youth football coach, and mentor for Big Brother Big Sisters.
While known for his love of Jimmy Buffett and all things Star Wars, Joe’s true passion could be found under the lights on Friday nights. His love of football was a constant and for 27 seasons, wearing the stripes brought pure joy to Joe’s life. He was blessed to wear the white hat with his crew and in 2023 he was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Football Officials Association Hall of Fame. Joe will be remembered for the many officials he instructed and mentored throughout the years.
Additionally, he was also a softball umpire for 24 years and a member of the Tuscarawas County Umpires Association. In addition to his officiating, Joe was a past worthy president of the Dover Aerie #515.
In addition to his wife and father, Joe is survived by his exchange son, Malek Sbeih of Jena, Germany; sisters and brothers-in-law, Teresa Biggs, Dianna (Chris) Matula, Dennis Levengood, and Dan (Mynha) Levengood. He is also survived by aunts & uncles, Kathy (John) Heid, Sue (Shawn) Bower, Karla (Larry) Young, Bart (Brenda) McNutt, Chuck (Judy) McNutt, and Ben (Dawn) McNutt.
Joe is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews and was especially close to his nephews Kyle & Austin Stephon and Garrett & Cael Weisen.
Most important in Joe’s life was his love for his friends. Always available for a hug or smile, Joe was blessed to be and be called a friend by so many. His departure will leave a void in many lives.
In addition to his mom, Joe is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Stephon, grandparents Fred & Doris Stephon and Ben & Jessie McNutt, and his canine son Foley Michael.
Joe’s family will celebrate his life during a visitation on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 4 – 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian Flood will lead Joe’s funeral service on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in Schoenbrunn Meadow Burial Park at New Philadelphia.
Memorials in Joe’s memory can be made to Big Brother Big Sisters of East Central Ohio, 400 Mill Avenue SE, Suite 337, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to help establish a Quaker Foundation Scholarship in his name to PO Box 627, New Philadelphia OH 44663 or online at quakerfoundation.org.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622