Dr. Julius Middleton "J.M." Stephenson, age 97 1/2 of Burkesville, Kentucky, who was the oldest practicing dentist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Medical Center in Bowling Green. He was born on Crocus Creek in the Bakerton community of Cumberland County, Kentucky on July 15, 1920 to the late Silas A. and Emma Vaughn Stephenson.  As a young man Dr. Stephenson was called to serve his country in the military serving three years, three months, and seven days.  He served overseas duty in Europe under the leadership of General George S. Patton where he received the Purple Heart during battle in Luxembourg and the Bronze Star Medal at the Siegfried Line in Germany.  He was the last living founding member of Cumberland County VFW Post 5419.

He was a 1941 graduate of Marrowbone High School, a 1947 graduate of Lindsey Wilson College, and a 1949 graduate of Western Kentucky University. Dr. Stephenson entered the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in the fall of 1949 where he graduated in June 1953.  He returned to his hometown of Burkesville, Kentucky and began his dental practice on June 29, 1953, practicing dentistry until his death. He was joined in his dental practice by both of his children.  Dr. Stephenson was a life member of the American Dental Association, a sixty-five year member of the Kentucky Dental Association, and a member of the South Central Dental Society where he was secretary/treasurer for forty years.

He was united in marriage to Hazel Christine Bybee on August 19, 1949 in Columbia, Kentucky.  Dr. Stephenson was a very active member of Burkesville First United Methodist Church for many years.  He became a member of Cumberland Lodge #413 F & AM in November 1956 and was also a member of the Scottish Rite.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel Stephenson, one daughter, Angela Stephenson, one sister, Geneva Coffey, and three brothers, James, Roy, and Wayne Stephenson.

Survivors Include: Two Children- Dr. Mary Todd Stephenson and Dr. John Glynn Stephenson both of Burkesville, Kentucky His Daughter-in-law- Pamela Stephenson of Burkesville, Kentucky Two Grandchildren- Madeline Jean Stephenson and Kyle Miller Stephenson both of Burkesville, Kentucky Two Nephews- Joe Stephenson of Tampa, Florida and Dale Appleby of Burkesville, Kentucky Two Nieces- Dr. Jane Bybee Myers of Boston, Massachusetts  and Susan Bybee Steele of Lexington, Kentucky

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 09, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Burkesville First United Methodist Church with burial in Burkesville Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 08, 2018 at Ballou & Stotts Funeral Home beginning at 2 PM and continuing until 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday

Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7 PM on Tuesday evening at Ballou & Stotts Funeral Home.  The lodge will open at 6 PM Flowers are welcome, but donations are encouraged to Lindsey Wilson College in Dr.Stephenson's memory.