Jeffrey Mark Stephens

Jeffrey M. Stephens, 65 There will be a Celebration of Life, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at the chapel of Columbiana Cemetery for Jeffrey M. Stephens, 65 of Canfield who died early Tuesday, November 21st at Briarfield Manor. Jeff was born June 17, 1952 in Salem, a son of the late Richard H. and Bertha "Bertie" (Pinkerton) Stephens. He graduated from Columbiana High School in 1971 and served in the United States Navy. Jeff received a bachelor's degree from the University of Mount Union and a master's degree in health education from Southern Illinois University. He was a teacher and football coach in Newton Falls prior to beginning his collegiate coaching career at the University of Montana Western, where he served as the team's special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. He also coached the outside linebackers and was the strength and conditioning coach at Southern Illinois for five years. From 1997-2000, he held roles as defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and defensive line coach at Geneva College. He was the wide receivers and tight ends coach at Walsh University from 2001-2009. Jeff retired from Thiel College where he served as the team's defensive line coach for two years. He was a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church. He leaves his wife, the former Janet L. Watson, whom he married June 16, 2007; a sister, Nancy (Gerald) VanFossan of Leetonia and a brother, Scott (Jane) Stephens of Columbiana. The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Rd., Canfield, OH 44406 Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.