Kenneth "Ken" Stephen

Ken Stephen came into this world on July 9, 1946, in Emporia, Kansas, the first of four boys born to Charles and Louise Stephen. He learned responsibility at a young age and always looked out for his mom and younger brothers. There was a lot of fishing at Peter Pan Park, even though the Stephen brothers never significantly decreased the fish population. Ken met Betty, the love of his life, in Junior High band class behind the snare drums. After a couple of false starts, they both realized their love for each other and were married on August 1, 1965. Uncle Sam came calling shortly after, and the first years of their marriage were spent with the Air Force in Germany. He worked long nights in undisclosed locations as a radio operator protecting Western Europe during the Cold War. Once his service to his country was complete, Ken and Betty settled in Emporia and started their family. While Ken was earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Emporia State University (go Hornets!), he became a father to Dana and David, and his family was complete. Ken took pride in providing for his family and serving his community. He worked in banking for 25 years, and then embarked on a new career in healthcare auditing. He was active in the Lion’s Club of Emporia, proudly serving as President in 1979, until the family relocated to Topeka in 1980. He was the President of the Wanamaker Elementary PTO for the 1982 school year. After he retired, he found a way to combine these interests by working as a bus driver for the Auburn-Washburn and Hayden school districts. ‘Mr. Ken’ loved the kids on his routes and was always touched when his former charges found him at the school and stopped to say hi. He signed up for every possible high school sports team trip and was always ready to encourage and cheer on the youth of our community. Baseball was a lifelong passion of Ken’s. He played a lot of sandlot ball with his brother Charles as a kid and played summer ball as a middle infielder through high school. His Army post-mates were even willing to let an Air Force guy share his skills with their team. He coached David’s youth baseball teams and Dana’s youth softball teams in the 80’s and travelled many hours over the past 15 years to watch his grandsons Max and Cooper play in Texas and Kansas. Not surprisingly, he was a loyal and avid Royals fan, and was delighted over their World Series win in 2015 after a 30 year wait. Emporia High didn’t have a baseball team, but Ken was a varsity basketball player (forward) and ran track and cross country for his school. He never played football, but was a big fan, and as with the Royals, was delighted when the Chiefs finally won another Super Bowl in 2019. He also had season tickets to Kansas State football for several years and his family has happy memories of multiple bowl game trips over the years. Those who knew Ken will remember his dry and goofy sense of humor. You never knew when an over-the-top impersonation or silly pose was coming your way, and he could sucker you in with his deadpan statements and explanations. He loved Benny Hill, Hogan’s Heros, and silly songs like ‘You Can’t Roller Skate with a Buffalo Herd’ and ‘Chug a Lug’. Not only did he like 50’s and 60’s music, but he knew the lyrics to nearly every song that was played! Ken is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, children David (Rhonda) of Independence, Kansas, and Dana (Greg Scofield) of Austin, Texas, grandsons Max and Cooper, brother Gary (Donna) of Emporia, Kansas, and nieces LaDonna and LaVerne, along with their families, also of Emporia. Ken was the best husband, father, and brother anyone could hope for, and will be missed without measure. Visitation will be 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where service will begin at 6 p.m. with military honors to follow. At that time the family is hoping to gather any written remembrances and stories his friends or family may wish to offer. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Ken’s name to either the Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Kenneth "Ken" Stephen

July 9, 1946 - August 4, 2024