Dr. Julius Middleton (J.M.) Stephenson, 97, 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, Kentucky.

He was born in Cumberland County to the late Silas A. and Emma Vaughn Stephenson. He served overseas in Europe during World War II and received a Purple Heart. He was the last living founding member of Cumberland County VFW Post 5419. Dr. Stephenson was a member of Burkesville First United Methodist Church, Cumberland Lodge #413 F & AM, and the Scottish Rite, as well as many dental associations and organizations.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; one daughter, Angela; 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; a daughter-in-law Pamela Stephenson; two grandchildren, Madeline and Kyle Stephenson, all of Burkesville; two nephews, Joe Stephenson, Tampa, Florida, and Dale Appleby, Burkesville; two nieces, Dr. Jane Myers, Boston, Massachusetts, and Susan Steele, Lexington, Kentucky.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Burkesville First United Methodist Church with Dr. William T. Luckey, Jr and Rev. R. Thomas Wilson officiating. Burial was in Burkesville Cemetery with military honors.

Donations are encouraged to Lindsey Wilson College in Dr. Stephenson’s memory.

Ballou & Stotts Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.