RAPID CITYRobert Earl Stephens, 80, died at his home on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Robert was born on February 27, 1928, in Vermillion, to Earl Grant and Ella Mae (Maxwell) Stephens. He grew up in Wessington, graduated from high school and later attended college in Brookings. Robert then served in the U. S. Army from 1951-1952 during the Korean Conflict. Robert was united in marriage to Willowdean Fallon on October 27, 1952. He was employed as a postal clerk for many years. Robert was a member of the Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center and the VFW. He liked to fish, play pool, cribbage and other card games and held aspirations about farming. He really loved all of his grandkids and had fun attending their activities. Survivors include his wife, Willowdean, Rapid City; his children, Rod Stephens, Rapid City, Kelly Stephens and his wife Melanie, Rapid City, Roberta Gese, Seldovia, AK, Joel Stephens, and his wife Lesa, Wall, Laura Middlebrook and her husband Lary, San Diego, CA and Mark Stephens and his wife Debbie, Las Vegas; a sister, Bonnie Riggins, Wanblee; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents, 4 sons, Robert, Joseph, Kirk Allen and Thomas. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m., with a Christian wake service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 13, at Blessed Sacrament Church with Father Dan Juelfs presiding. Burial, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273, will following Black Hills National Cemetery. A memorials may be made to Black Hills Workshop.