Obituary for Billy Wayne Stephens
Billy Wayne Stephens, 91, passed away at his home at Edgerton, KS, June 26, 2020. Billy had suffered from kidney and heart diseases for some time. He died surrounded by his wife and children. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 3, 2020 at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W. Main, Gardner, KS. Visitation will be at 10 am with the funeral at 11 am. Burial will be at the St. Columbine Catholic Cemetery, Edgerton, KS. Due to the Covid pandemic, there will be no luncheon after the burial. Masks will be required at the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Billy was born May 12, 1929, to John Willard and Ruth Adeline (Garrett) Stephens at Eldon, Missouri. He was the eldest of five brothers and a sister. After he graduated from high school, Billy was staying with his uncle and aunt in Kansas City, Kansas, when he met Margaret Madl on a double-date. The two married in 1948 and had four children. Margaret died of cancer in March of 2011. Billy married Linda Sue Kramer later that year.
Growing up in the Missouri Ozarks during the Great Depression, Billy learned to be a very hard worker. One of his early dreams was to own a farm and in 1958 the Billy Stephens family moved to a farm north of Edgerton. He grew crops, raised cattle and expanded the farm when he could. At the same time, he worked as a lineman and then a local representative for Kansas City Power and Light. He retired from the company after working for 31 years.
Billy loved playing music and performing before an audience. He played guitar and banjo and sang—favoring country music. He organized several bands over the years that performed at dances and senior facilities. One of his bands consisted of members all named Bill and was called “The Four Bs.” After Billy married Linda Sue, they sang together at Karaoke events and other gigs. Billy and Linda Sue traveled to Alamo, Texas, every winter for eight years where they stayed at a senior “Winter Texan” resort. There they had chances to “jam”, sing, and dance. They enjoyed being with their Snowbird friends. Billy also loved the Lake of the Ozarks where he owned property and he could boat and fish. He cared for and took great care of his family, and was happy to have so many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He truly will be missed.
Billy’s sister, Judy, and three of his brothers—Jimmy, Leo and Neal--preceded him in death. Billy is survived by his brother Carl Stephens of Kearney, Missouri. Billy and Margaret’s children are Linda (Gregory) Endsley of Wisconsin, Michael (Jeanne) Stephens of Edgerton, John (Lori) Stephens of Olathe and Patricia (Wade) Leitner of Arizona. Billy and Margaret had eight grandchildren: Crystal (Todd) Cheserack of Arizona, Brent (Michaela) Stephens of Overland Park, Ryan (Ashley) Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri, Derek (Tracey) Stephens of Overland Park, Melissa Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri, Benton (Nicole) Leitner of St. Louis, Missouri, Sarah Endsley of Wisconsin and Katherine (Walter) Seaman of Arizona. Billy had 13 great grandchildren.
Billy was born May 12, 1929, to John Willard and Ruth Adeline (Garrett) Stephens at Eldon, Missouri. He was the eldest of five brothers and a sister. After he graduated from high school, Billy was staying with his uncle and aunt in Kansas City, Kansas, when he met Margaret Madl on a double-date. The two married in 1948 and had four children. Margaret died of cancer in March of 2011. Billy married Linda Sue Kramer later that year.
Growing up in the Missouri Ozarks during the Great Depression, Billy learned to be a very hard worker. One of his early dreams was to own a farm and in 1958 the Billy Stephens family moved to a farm north of Edgerton. He grew crops, raised cattle and expanded the farm when he could. At the same time, he worked as a lineman and then a local representative for Kansas City Power and Light. He retired from the company after working for 31 years.
Billy loved playing music and performing before an audience. He played guitar and banjo and sang—favoring country music. He organized several bands over the years that performed at dances and senior facilities. One of his bands consisted of members all named Bill and was called “The Four Bs.” After Billy married Linda Sue, they sang together at Karaoke events and other gigs. Billy and Linda Sue traveled to Alamo, Texas, every winter for eight years where they stayed at a senior “Winter Texan” resort. There they had chances to “jam”, sing, and dance. They enjoyed being with their Snowbird friends. Billy also loved the Lake of the Ozarks where he owned property and he could boat and fish. He cared for and took great care of his family, and was happy to have so many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He truly will be missed.
Billy’s sister, Judy, and three of his brothers—Jimmy, Leo and Neal--preceded him in death. Billy is survived by his brother Carl Stephens of Kearney, Missouri. Billy and Margaret’s children are Linda (Gregory) Endsley of Wisconsin, Michael (Jeanne) Stephens of Edgerton, John (Lori) Stephens of Olathe and Patricia (Wade) Leitner of Arizona. Billy and Margaret had eight grandchildren: Crystal (Todd) Cheserack of Arizona, Brent (Michaela) Stephens of Overland Park, Ryan (Ashley) Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri, Derek (Tracey) Stephens of Overland Park, Melissa Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri, Benton (Nicole) Leitner of St. Louis, Missouri, Sarah Endsley of Wisconsin and Katherine (Walter) Seaman of Arizona. Billy had 13 great grandchildren.