Howard L. Stephens

Howard LaRay Stephens was born March 24th, 1936,  in Smith County, Kansas, to Harley Newton and Idolia Fern (McCormick) Stephens. He passed away November 11th, 2020, in Smith Center, Kansas, He was married to Lorena R. Giese on February 6th, 1966, at Gaylord, Kansas. To this union two sons were born. Howard attended school 5 years at Cedar Ridge Country school. He then completed elementary and high school at Kensington. 

After graduating from high school, Howard was employed at the Kirwin Wildlife Refuge for over 30 years as mechanic and heavy equipment operator. Howard was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard over 10 years. After retiring from his work at the Kirwin Wildlife Refuge, Howard worked as a mechanic at his own shop. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Paul Newton, and his sister, Doris Arlene (Mrs. Albert Beckman).

Howard is survived by his wife, Lorena, son, David and wife, Daylah, of Kensington, son, Dale, of Kensington, and 2 grandsons, Dawson and Dirk, and one granddaughter, Darby, and other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place, a celebration of Howard's life will be announced at a later date.