1947
Mr.
2007
Mr. Robert Stephens
February 27, 1947 — February 13, 2007
Robert, age 59, passed away at home with his family on February 13, 2007 after a five month battle with lung cancer.
Robert was born to Catherine and Ellis Stephens on February 27, 1947 in Houston, Texas. In 1949, the family moved to Prairie Village, Kansas where he enjoyed a neighborhood of lifelong friends and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1965. Due to his mother's suggestion to the judge, he served community service for painting the Prairie Village water tower, while his 2 accomplices paid $10 fines each. After graduation, Robert attended Pittsburg State University where he proudly pledged Sigma Chi. His Sigma Chi brothers remained beloved to him throughout his life. Robert interrupted his education to volunteer his service in the Army. He served in Vietnam in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1972. After his service, he was an active member of the POW-MIA Society and wore a POW bracelet of a local missing fighter pilot for the rest of his life. He was proud of his service and loved his country. Robert continued his education at Pittsburg State and then went on to Kansas University to earn his Bachelor's Degree. He became a real estate appraiser, earning his MAI and SRA designations, working with his father at Appraisal Consultants, Inc. and lecturing across the nation for the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. Robert never met a stranger. He was encouraged to run for public office and was elected to the Fairway city council in 1985. He continued to serve until 2000, working on committees for the Fairway Pool, Public Works, and was instrumental in major projects. As a young adult he played indoor soccer and coached women's softball. He later coached his daughter's softball team, the Prairie Hawks for 8 years. He had many fond memories of fishing trips with his daughter and their dog, Sunny, at lakes around the city. She also helped him with various projects around the house, including building a tree house from a design they picked together. Dad, I love you forever. In 1996, Robert decided to fulfill a lifelong dream to become an attorney. He attended UMKC Law School, winning the Harry S. Truman award, and passed the Bar exam in 1999. His passion to defend led him to the Public Defenders office and eventually to become an advocate in the Juvenile Division. Robert and Nancy married October 21, 2003. The last three years were spent loving one another and making the most of each day. Although their families melded later in life, an important bond was created that will remain forever. Sweetheart, I love you forever.
Robert was preceded in death by his father Ellis Stephens. He is survived by his wife of 3 years Nancy Stephens, daughter Courtney Stephens, stepchildren Katie and Devin Wilson, mother Catherine Stephens and siblings Carol Ann, Katie and John Stephens. He will be missed by his entire extended family and many friends. I
n lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society and please, help a friend quit smoking.
Visitation will be at DW Newcomer's Sons, Johnson County Chapel on Friday, February 16, 2007 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral will be on Saturday morning February 17, 2007 at 10:00am.
Robert was born to Catherine and Ellis Stephens on February 27, 1947 in Houston, Texas. In 1949, the family moved to Prairie Village, Kansas where he enjoyed a neighborhood of lifelong friends and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1965. Due to his mother's suggestion to the judge, he served community service for painting the Prairie Village water tower, while his 2 accomplices paid $10 fines each. After graduation, Robert attended Pittsburg State University where he proudly pledged Sigma Chi. His Sigma Chi brothers remained beloved to him throughout his life. Robert interrupted his education to volunteer his service in the Army. He served in Vietnam in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1972. After his service, he was an active member of the POW-MIA Society and wore a POW bracelet of a local missing fighter pilot for the rest of his life. He was proud of his service and loved his country. Robert continued his education at Pittsburg State and then went on to Kansas University to earn his Bachelor's Degree. He became a real estate appraiser, earning his MAI and SRA designations, working with his father at Appraisal Consultants, Inc. and lecturing across the nation for the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. Robert never met a stranger. He was encouraged to run for public office and was elected to the Fairway city council in 1985. He continued to serve until 2000, working on committees for the Fairway Pool, Public Works, and was instrumental in major projects. As a young adult he played indoor soccer and coached women's softball. He later coached his daughter's softball team, the Prairie Hawks for 8 years. He had many fond memories of fishing trips with his daughter and their dog, Sunny, at lakes around the city. She also helped him with various projects around the house, including building a tree house from a design they picked together. Dad, I love you forever. In 1996, Robert decided to fulfill a lifelong dream to become an attorney. He attended UMKC Law School, winning the Harry S. Truman award, and passed the Bar exam in 1999. His passion to defend led him to the Public Defenders office and eventually to become an advocate in the Juvenile Division. Robert and Nancy married October 21, 2003. The last three years were spent loving one another and making the most of each day. Although their families melded later in life, an important bond was created that will remain forever. Sweetheart, I love you forever.
Robert was preceded in death by his father Ellis Stephens. He is survived by his wife of 3 years Nancy Stephens, daughter Courtney Stephens, stepchildren Katie and Devin Wilson, mother Catherine Stephens and siblings Carol Ann, Katie and John Stephens. He will be missed by his entire extended family and many friends. I
n lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Cancer Society and please, help a friend quit smoking.
Visitation will be at DW Newcomer's Sons, Johnson County Chapel on Friday, February 16, 2007 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral will be on Saturday morning February 17, 2007 at 10:00am.
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