Stephen, Orrin

Orrin Stephen, 99, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center following a short illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Echo Hill Presbyterian Church. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church.

Orrin was born Oct. 6, 1910, on the family farm in Malcom, Iowa, to Francis V. Stephen and Mary Reynolds Stephen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Harding Stephen; seven brothers and two sisters.

Orrin is survived by his daughters, Sandra L. Stephen, Cedar Rapids, and Susan S. Jones (Douglas), Huxley; his grandson, Philip Stephen Jones (Erin), Westminster, Colo.; and granddaughter, Jenifer Sue Jones, Ames.

Orrin assisted his parents on the family farm until 1934 when he left to attend Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) where he met Helen. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 and taught one year in Hansel, Iowa. In 1939, Orrin enrolled in Iowa State University and received a degree in vocational agriculture. He taught for two years at Delhi. In 1942, Orrin enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Arizona.

Orrin married Helen Harding on Dec. 29, 1943, at Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He served two more years with the Army in Paris, Texas. In 1945, he and Helen moved to Buffalo Center, where both of them taught. In 1951, they moved to Cedar Rapids. From 1951 to 1963, Orrin sold pharmaceuticals. In 1963-64, he attended the University of Iowa. Orrin taught science in Anamosa from 1964 to 1977, when he retired.

Orrin believed that a good education was the most valuable possession one could have because it could never be taken away. Orrin instilled this belief in his children, grandchildren, and students. As a parent he was our first and best teacher. His love, patience and guidance will be greatly missed.

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