Stephen Conley

Stephen Noel Conley of Lee’s Summit, MO passed way September 20, 2017 in the care of KC Hospice House, surrounded by his loving wife Leann, his daughter Rachel Evans, and his dear friend Michael Blankowski. Stephen was born in Kansas City MO, March 31, 1954 to Relda Rummans Conley Philips and Leslie Noel Conley.

Stephen was employed by SPX Cooling Technologies, (formerly Marley Cooling Tower) for 40 years as an Engineering Tech, a position he excelled in and loved very much. He was a critical part of the many development teams for Marley and SPX.

Stephen was a smart and intelligent man with skills enabling him to communicate at all levels to present ideas. He was a well-respected person in all areas of his life and a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and devoted friend to many.

His life held many adventures; he was willing to try anything at least once and if he believed he could improve on it, he would do it again, and again. He did that with marriage, first to Lisa, and later to Brenda, the loving mother of his only child, Rachel and his final love, the dear Leann. She came suddenly into his life and he fell for her instantly. Married in Longview Chapel in 2004, they moved to his home in Lee’s Summit, a bachelor pad for sure. Stephen wanted her to be at home there and carved her a stone to declare it so, “Leann’s House” it became. She began to make it a home for them both with small improvements here and there, even when he fussed over them. Together they made a good life they both enjoyed.

In his early years, he was acrobatic and energetic, fishing and hunting were favorite hobbies. With Leann, they became members and officers of, and enjoyed, the Heart of America Z Car Club, taking trips and making dear friends along the way. Stephen and Leann traveled to Arizona and Florida, taking in all the sights. Stephen loved showing Leann new things and using his telescope was part of the adventures. She loved him dearly and continually marveled at how smart, sweet, strong, stoic and completely unique he was. She said often when describing Stephen, “He is a cross between Crocodile Dundee and a physics professor, you had to see it to believe it.”

Stephen had his daughter somewhat late in life and she was his joy. Rachel Conley Evans gave him a handsome intelligent grandson, Brenden and two creative, beautiful twin granddaughters, Olivia and Sophia, he loved them so very much. He delighted in seeing a bit of himself in his daughter and his grandchildren, it made him smile.

Stephen came through many obstacles in his life, rabbit fever as a child, incidents with axes and knives (etc.), and various health troubles, but through it all he maintained a heart of gold with a realistic outlook and approach to life. He was a mentor to some and a true friend to many.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Noel Conley and his mother, Relda Rummans Conley Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Leann (Sandt) Conley, his daughter Rachel Conley Evans (Chris), his brother Michael Conley (Kay), nephew, Jay Conley (Michelle) and his wonderful grandchildren, Brendan Evans, Olivia Evans, and Sophia Evans. He is loved by many friends and will be missed by all who knew him.

Per his wishes Stephen’s remains were donated to the University of Kansas Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology for medical research and training. There will be a Celebration of Life event at a later date to be announced.