In Memory Of
Max Vernon Stephens
1936
2017
Max Vernon Stephens
July 18, 1936 — April 30, 2017
Max Vernon (Vern) Stephens was born on July 18, 1936 in Parsons, Kansas to Henry A. and Pearl (Frew) Stephens. He died on April 30, 2017 at Brookdale Senior Living Community. He graduated from Parsons High School, Parsons Junior College, and Pittsburg State University. Vern was proud to be an Army veteran, having served in Frankfort, Germany from 1958-1960. On August 5, 1962, he married Kay Cantrell of Parsons and they raised two daughters who were his greatest treasures.
After graduation he was employed by several Kansas State agencies, retiring after many years with the Department of Education.
He was a former member of the Southwest Optimist Club and a 50+ year member of First United Methodist Church, Topeka, where he served on several committees and taught children's Sunday school. Vern spent over 15 years coaching his daughters in softball at Ken Berry. In later years, he played softball with the Old & Bold team in the Over 60 League, retiring from his softball career when he was 78.
Surviving are Kay and their daughters, Gayle and her partner, Charles Jolls of Chicago, IL; and Lesley and her husband, David Hansen, of Bellingham, WA. Other survivors include brother Norman (Joyce) Stephens of Plano, TX and nephews, Mike (Kathy) and Jim (Pam) Stephens.
Vern loved and was loved by many other family members and friends, Army buddies, and high school classmates.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie.
Vern lived for nine years with Alzheimer's. He approached his disease with dignity and maintained a positive attitude, never asking, 'Why me?' Vern's smile and eyes could light up anyone, even in his last days. The family wants to thank the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka and the staff at Brookdale for the care and comfort they provided to all of them.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at First United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka or First United Methodist Church.
To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
After graduation he was employed by several Kansas State agencies, retiring after many years with the Department of Education.
He was a former member of the Southwest Optimist Club and a 50+ year member of First United Methodist Church, Topeka, where he served on several committees and taught children's Sunday school. Vern spent over 15 years coaching his daughters in softball at Ken Berry. In later years, he played softball with the Old & Bold team in the Over 60 League, retiring from his softball career when he was 78.
Surviving are Kay and their daughters, Gayle and her partner, Charles Jolls of Chicago, IL; and Lesley and her husband, David Hansen, of Bellingham, WA. Other survivors include brother Norman (Joyce) Stephens of Plano, TX and nephews, Mike (Kathy) and Jim (Pam) Stephens.
Vern loved and was loved by many other family members and friends, Army buddies, and high school classmates.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie.
Vern lived for nine years with Alzheimer's. He approached his disease with dignity and maintained a positive attitude, never asking, 'Why me?' Vern's smile and eyes could light up anyone, even in his last days. The family wants to thank the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka and the staff at Brookdale for the care and comfort they provided to all of them.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at First United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association of Topeka or First United Methodist Church.
To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Max Vernon Stephens, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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