Graveside services for Richard D. “Dick” Stephens, 76, McLouth, will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, at Ozawkie Cemetery in Ozawkie, Kansas.
Mr. Stephens died Saturday, October 31, 2015, at Hickory Pointe Nursing Home in Oskaloosa, Kansas.
He was born July 6, 1939 in Valley Falls; the son of Alvora Ray and Caryl Ellen May Stephens. He graduated from Ozawkie High School in 1957.
Mr. Stephens was a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for numerous years. He worked for the Jefferson County Highway Department for 11 years before retiring. After retirement in 1990, he was a self-employed grave digger for over 65 cemeteries. He and his wife, Barb, raised large exotic cats since 1995. He loved to spend time with his cats, Tuffy, Sugar, Little Man, Sassy, Stinky, Boo, Bud, Baby, Thunder, and Rosebud.
He married Barbara L. Bridgmon, November 16, 1979 in Oskaloosa, Kansas. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include sons; Kevin Stephens and wife Lea of The Dalles, OR; Danny Stephens and wife Brenda of Sparta, MO; Dale Stephens of Topeka, KS; Patrick Davis and wife Joyce of McLouth, KS; David Davis and wife Joy of Linn Creek, MO; daughters Denise Eggers and husband Roger of Ozawkie, KS; Diane Stephens of McLouth, KS; Debra Davis of Brumley, MO; Annette Choate of Gainesville, FL; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rollie “Rod” Stephens, Loren “Bud” Stephens, Clayton Stephens; sisters, Delpha Kirkham, Eleanor Seifert, Leola “Sis” O’Roke, and Ona Wells.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday.
The family suggests memorials to Serenity Springs Wildlife Center or Jefferson County Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.
Prayers and my condolences are sent to Barb and the rest of families of Dick. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Used to go out to their house when they lived in Oskie and see the cats and animals they had. May God be with you all and comfort during this time.
Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Misty
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences for the loss of a good man. Dick will be missed by many. May God be with you all, and please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all!
Dora
The family has my most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Dick. May God bless you and prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow.
God Bless,
Greg Duryea