David Leroy Stephens, age 71, of Hallowell, Kansas, passed away at 6:17 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7,2022 at Elmhaven East Nursing Home in Parsons.
David was born in Cameron, Missouri, on Dec. 26, 1950 to the union of David Stephens and Arlene (Moeller) Stephens. He moved to the four-state area where he graduated from Fort Scott Community College Truck Driving School. Throughout the past 60 years, he had lived in Hallowell, Oswego, and Columbus. He worked at the explosives plant in Columbus, and after his retirement in 2000, he began working at a local pecan plant. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to music, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He became a member of the National Geographic Society in January of 2005.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving our country during the Vietnam era while he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return, he was granted membership to the American Legion and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Freedom Team Salute.
Survivors include his companion, Carmen Stephens; one son, Matt Stephens (Leila) of Altamont; three daughters, Sharon Stephens of Bonnie Lake, Washington, Tabetha Askew of Auburn, Washington, and Samantha Stephens of Bonnie Lake, Washington; four brothers, James Stephens of Vinita, Oklahoma, Floyd Stephens of Wyoming, William “Ted” Stephens of Elk City, Oklahoma, and Richard Stephens of Springfield, Missouri; seven sisters, Wanda Tucker of Maryville, Tennessee, Hazel Swinney of Park City, Kansas, Christine Stephens of Valley Center, Kansas, Davida Powell of Pink, Oklahoma, Lavena Folk (husband, Robert) of Oswego, Brenda Fullheart of Lundon, Tennessee, and Irita Long of Hallowell; 10 grandchildren, T.K., Jaia, Xavier, Alexys, Jamari, Kole, Selia, Jericho, Seyana, and Triton; as well as one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Arlene Stephens; one son, Jessie Stephens; one brother, Martin Stephens; and one sister, Virginia Stephens.
Service arrangements have been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, beginning with a Visitation at noon at Derfelt Funeral Home of Oswego, funeral procession to Oswego Cemetery, and Graveside Service beginning at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.
