Obituaries : Rex D. Stephens

Rex D. Stephens, 70, of Brandon, IA, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, IA.Rex was born on December 24, 1954, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Darrell "Buck" and Judy (Stainbrook) Stephens. He grew up in rural Brandon, IA, on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work. He helped out on the farm while going to school. In 1973, Rex graduated from Vinton High School. That same year he started working as a Maintenance Mechanic for John Deere in Waterloo, IA. For over twenty-four years he worked on the farm and at John Deere. He retired from John Deere in 1998, but continued to work various other jobs over the years.In 1973, Rex married Mary Erger, and they made their home in Brandon, IA. Together they had two children, Eric and Myriah. They later divorced.Rex later married Cheryl M. (Christen) Mastin on August 29, 1992, in Brandon, IAHe is survived by his mother Judy Stephens, Brandon, IA, his wife, Cheryl Stephens, Brandon, IA, his children, Eric (Amy) Stephens, Brandon, IA, and Myriah (Adam) Cole, Altoona, IA, his step-children, Wade (Amanda) Mastin, Boone, IA, and Mikki (Mark) Warm, Jesup, IA, eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.Rex is preceded in death by his father, Darrell "Buck" Stephens, a sister, Kathy Waskow, and a brother, Lanny Stephens.Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center - Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. A Graveside Service will be held at 9 AM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and a Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM at the Funeral Home in Independence, IA.