Lewis Marcell Stephen of Hays, Kansas was born on January 3, 1950, in
Stockton, Kansas to Lewis Harold Stephen and Glennys Faye (Reed)
Stephen. They lived on the family farm along Bow Creek in Rooks County.
He had seven other siblings: Lawrence, Loretta, Lorene, Lucille, LeRoy,
Lana and Leonard.
Lewis attended schools in Stockton, Hoxie, and Colby. He graduated
from Stockton High School with the class of 1969. Shortly after, he
married Rhonda Irish of Nebraska in 1970. To this union were born two
sons: Jeremy and Stacey. They later divorced. He enlisted in the United
States Army and served his country for a faithful seven years before
being honorably discharged in October of 1978. In the Army he worked as
Military Police and was stationed in Germany, Fort Meade Maryland, and
Fort Riley in Kansas. Following his discharge, he worked in Hays at
Waffle Crete, then Contact America and Answer Net for many years as a
supervisor. He retired as a supervisor but stayed busy by doing
landscaping and lawn maintenance for his neighbors and friends, which he
loved to do.
Lewis was a hardworking, busy body. If he wasn’t tending to a
friend, neighbor, or family’s lawn, he was hitting garage sales to find
treasures he could fix up to re-sell for a few extra bucks - and did
quite well in doing so! He cared deeply for his family and his three
furry, fat and happy cats. He will be remembered for his witty
personality, patriotism, and work ethic.
It has been said, “The happiest of people don’t have the best of
everything, they just make the best of everything they have,” and
Lewis’s life was a testament to this.” He was a kind and loving man who
lived to serve his family, friends, and neighbors. He tended to the
hearts and souls of all knew him and made a life that will continue to
grow for eternity.
Lewis is survived by his siblings, Lorene (Don) Alexander of
Carmichael, CA, Lana (Larry) Odle of Stockton, KS, Leonard Stephen of
Atwood, KS; sister-in-law, Barbara Stephen of Phillipsburg, KS; son,
Stacey (Laura) Stephen of Gothenburg, NE; eight grandchildren, Chase,
Chyler (Anthoney), Kerigan, Carlin, Collin, Keyan, Holden, and Travin;
three great-grandchildren, Rosey, Laney, and Grayson; numerous nieces,
nephews, and cousins; Aunt ArLene Wolfe of Concordia, KS; a very special
friend, Lenora Goetz; and close friends, Mandy Feik, Jeff Jordan, and
many others.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Glennys Stephen;
son, Jeremy Stephen; siblings, Lawrence, LeRoy, Loretta Meyer and
Lucille Brush; and grandparents.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Stockton City Cemetery in
Stockton on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 11 AM. Visitation will be held at
the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9 AM until 10:30 AM.
Memorials are suggested to the Lewis Stephen Memorial Fund and may
be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First,
Stockton, KS 67669.