Ok. First memory of my son. Giving birth.  He broke my tailbone coming out because  HE decided he was  doing it his way. From that moment on, he was  considered my pain in my ass. Second great memory.  Taking him to kindergarten orientation and watching him completely ignore all the kids, and instead hanging out by the teachers,  giving them bogus statistics on dinosaurs.  Third great memory.  Watching him paint.  GOD WHAT A WONDERFUL TALENT HE WAS!!!! Not my side at all. It came from Mike's father,  Jim.  Very proud of my son.  Final memories.  His kindness.  He would use his last dollar for his family.  Buy dinner,... our lunches together... I miss hearing " hi, this is Stephen,  leave a message . I love and miss you son. Mom 

Another friend from Final Fantasy XI here.
While it was "only a video game," we all spoke together, adventured together, spent countless hours together-- including Jason, Richard, and Cameron who also left messages here. He was a rock during turbulent times.

He was kind and helpful-- every single day I knew him, even when he was going through difficult times himself. 

I'll never forget that kindness, his sense of humor, his eagerness to make us smile, to make people laugh; the sound of his own quick, hearty laugh.

I'm sorry to all who feel the loss of this great man.

Please excuse the 'video game sendoff,' but it's the most personal way for me to say this:

/Emote Farewell, Stephen.
/Goodbye.

Mike and family, there are no words to help you other than those of the Lord. I pray that time will ease your pain, and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.  I know it must feel too much to bare, and as a parent, I cannot even imagine your pain. May God bless you and keep you.

I was also friends with Stephen on Final Fantasy XI I remember fondly all the times we would hang out spending hours in the game just chatting and goofing around. He was always a pleasure to be around and hang out with. Never in a bad mood always cheerful and willing to do whatever. Hanging with that great group of friends is by far the biggest thing I miss from those days. Stephen you will be missed sir, and to all his friends and family I am sorry for your. loss the world lost a great guy.

I too met Stephen in the online game Final Fantasy XI in 2005. Always dropping what he was doing to come to join his virtual friends in some misadventure in a game that took all too long to do anything in. He had a singular wit and a gentle way about him, even in a game where it is partly expected that one would role-play or at least not be true to their outside world self. I have so many good memories of that game that are due, in no small measure, to the fact that he played it too. Even though we never met in person, we - and the others of our small, tight-knit online adventuring group - shared a deep connection. 

Even after we left that world behind, we connected on Facebook and he'd occasionally message me some humorous tidbit or meme. It ALWAYS made me laugh. He did so just two weeks ago. I promised I'd make time to meet up in person someday soon and I let life get in the way. Now I get to regret that I never got to meet him in person. He was a kind soul in both worlds. I didn't need to interact with him face-to-face to know that. I was privileged to know the man, even in my small way.

Fare thee well Stephen “Runwithfishys” Depew. And to those he left behind, you have my honest and heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Nothing I can say will ever come close to doing justice to what you all must be feeling. I hardly knew him and I spent all day at work feeling absolutely awful about the fact that the world is a much lonelier place without him. 

I met Stephen through the game Final Fantasy XI in 2005. He was cool guy to talk too and he offered me a Linkpearl, as its called, joining his "chat" group. It was through this I met my best friends to this day and was able to do activities with him and others. Even after the game he was always cool to chat with on Facebook and posted some humorous things. He was always someone you loved hanging out with and doing things together. Nice guy and great friend. I'll always be glad I was able to know him.

Prayers for the Depew and Lilley families during this difficult time. I have always considered you family and will never forget being at the hospital the day dear sweet Stephen was born.  Watching some UT football games as well as the Super Bowl together. My favorite memories were from Port A when all the kiddo's were little. I am sure Stephen and Kelly are watching over each of you. 

Please know I am here for  you and I love each of you very much. 

Prayers, hugs and all my  love always. 

Kimberly Youngblood  

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Funeral Service

Stephen was survived by his daughter, Skylar Naylor; parents, Mike and Laurie Depew, Jerry and Gayle Lilley; brothers, Kevin Depew and Jacob Lilley; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

OBITUARY

Stephen Michael Depew

January 18, 1981 – April 15, 2019

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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