Mr. William Donald Stephen, Jr., known as “Dutch” to family and friends, was a beloved husband, father, brother and son. He passed away at Providence Medical Center on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 due to an acute illness. He was 84 years old.
Dutch was the only son born to William “Don” Stephen, Sr. and Maryana Stephen (Seifert) on May 14th, 1936 and was a life-long resident of Kansas City, Kansas. He had four beloved sisters, Mary Lee (Patterson), Elizabeth (Cossie) and Ruth Adele (Larkin) who preceded him in death. He has one surviving sister, Catherine “Kate” (Gene) Tate.
He married his cherished wife, Reva Vernetta “Darlene” Cochran on July 30, 1964, in his hometown. She preceded him in death in 2012. He will be forever remembered and loved by his children: Tracy (Oscar) Vogel, Linda (Paul) Jepsen, William “Donnie” (Carol Chacon), and Hallie Stephen-Castro (Jason Chandler). He was blessed with many grandchildren; Brandi Stephen (deceased), Zachary (Amey) Roland, Conlin Thompson, Savannah (Derek) Casteel, Jesse (Sarah) Jepsen, Victoria Stephen, Nicholas (Daija) Casteel, Joseph Casteel, Jordan Castro (deceased), Sofia Graciela Castro; two step grandchildren Alyssa Chandler and Ava Chandler; and two great-granddaughters; Karsyn Casteel and Ryleigh Casteel. He also has numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Dutch was the upmost caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be so dearly missed by his grieving family and friends.
Dutch was a retired and proud Union Carpenter (Local 168). He was involved in Boy Scouts with his son and nephews during their formative years. Dutch’s most favorite hobby was bowling. He was an avid and passionate bowler until the very end and it brought him great joy. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching other sports, particularly baseball and football with his family.
Due to social isolation restrictions, Dutch will have a small, private Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 12th at Chapel Hill Funeral Home at 701 N 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. If you would like to send flowers in his honor, feel free to contact Michael and Michaels Heritage Florist at 913-342-1573. Memorial Contributions may be made in Dutch’s name to KC Café Animal Shelter. His ashes will be inurned at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas at a later date.
