Obituary

Ronald Stevens went to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Ron battled kidney disease with courage, positivity, gratitude, and faith of God’s promise for eternal life.  He was born on July 5,1948 in Kansas City to Carl Lee and Alice Mae (McQuiston) Stevens.

Ron moved to Lee’s Summit, MO from Berryton, KS in 1959.  He enjoyed skiing, swimming, and fishing with his older siblings, Betty Ebert and Carl Stevens, at Lake of the Ozarks. Ron loved all sports and was on the basketball, football, track, and wrestling teams at Lee’s Summit High School.  He was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, tri-captain of the football team, Student Council President, and Vice-President of the Latin Club.  Later in life, Ron enjoyed presenting his unique bronze Student Council President Lifetime Activity Pass to attend Lee’s Summit High School events.  He enjoyed life-long friendships from his alma mater and looked forward to their monthly luncheons at Jack Stack.

After high school, Ron attended Kansas State University to major in mathematics and play football.  His parents never missed a game, recording each game over the four years he played.  He would impress family and friends with his detailed description of games to include opponents’ names, scores, plays, and dates just like it was yesterday.  Being a great storyteller, Ron always added humor to make the story come alive.  Ron received recognition as a center in the Big Eight Conference and decided to teach and coach rather than accept an offer to continue playing football.  Friendships and experiences at KState were a focal point of his storytelling throughout his life.  EMAW (Every Man A Wildcat) became one of his mantras.

Ron continued his love of sports as a college recruiter, a coach at Lawrence High School, Lee’s Summit High School, Central Missouri State University, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, and coach of his two daughters.  From a young age through college, Ron was their biggest fan and valued teacher, focusing on positive attitude, work ethic, and teamwork.  Another one of his mantras was “Get MAD (Make A Difference)”.   In 2004, Ron was baptized at the Blue Springs Christian Church with his daughters by his side.

Ron met his wife of 44 years, Nancy Clay, at the Blue Springs Fitness Center.  Three months later, he proposed, and they married on June 30, 1979, after her first year of teaching at Blue Springs High School.   Ron and Nancy were blessed with two daughters, Nicole Stevens Underwood (Todd) from Blue Springs, MO, and Courtney Stevens Majors (Brian) from Carmel, IN.  Ron beamed when he talked about his 7 grandchildren:  Jack Henry Majors (10); Karlee Rae Underwood (9); Clay Brian Majors (8); Grace Wanda Majors (7); Kailyn Grace Underwood (6); Nora Helen Majors (4); and Kennady Hudson Underwood (4).  His grandchildren knew they could always count on him for candy, jokes, and hugs.

In 2013, Ron retired from a career in sales.   He took great joy in cooking and grilling (the spicier, the better) and making large quantities of food, no matter how many he was serving.  He didn’t know how to do anything small (he would say, “Go Big or Go Home”), and cooking was an example of this.  Kitchen appliances, gadgets, and spices were always something he enjoyed exploring and sharing with others, using them to prepare amazing meals for family and friends.

After a near-death experience in March 2022, Ron took every opportunity to share his testimony and gave wooden crosses made by his high school friend.  God blessed Ron with another year of life; Ron did his best to make the most of it.  Before going to the hospital one last time, he celebrated his 75^th birthday with 100+ family and friends to include those from Lee’s Summit High School and Kansas State University.  “Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12

Please join the family at the Celebration of Life on Monday, August 21 at Abundant Life Church, Administration Building, 414 SW Persels Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO  64081.  Visitation is 9am – 11am;  Service is at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Stevens Scholarship Fund, Central Bank ATT: Star, 909 S 7 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014.

The Midwest Transplant Network provides hope and gives life to others.  Ron’s registration to be a donor may benefit up to 40 people. He aspired to increase awareness and education about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation.