Obituary
Vernon Lee “Steve” Stephenson Jr., 70, born at home January 17, 1954, the coldest day on record in Fletcher, MO. to Ollie R. Ezell and Vernon L. Stephenson Sr.
Steve was married to his long-time love Tracy L. Cary. He was the proud father of daughter Amanda D. Stephenson, accountant, and son Marcus E. Stephenson, Maintenance Test Pilot. He cherished his stepchildren Devin (Zee) and Krista (Justin) Cassity, grandchildren Cheyenne (Jacob) Freeman, Emma Clayton, and Calliegh Stephenson, and was excited about the upcoming arrival of his great-grandson Cannon Freeman. Last but certainly not least, his life wasn’t complete without his fur baby Buck, who was battling cancer and passed away just days after Steve. Now they are together forever.
A visitation will be held on March 12, at 2 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO and a service will follow. Steve will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
As a young man he was a cowboy raising bucket calves, breaking horses, and bailing hay. His favorite forms of transportation were riding his horse, Star, or jumping the train to go to town.
After high school Steve became a proud Marine. In the military he was a Sergeant E-5 / Avionics Technician 6637 while aboard an aircraft carrier. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Rifle Expert Badge.
Steve was accomplished at many trades. He worked as a journeyman iron worker, salesman, manager with AT&T, loan officer, appraiser, business owner and an inspector for the water company.
Steve enjoyed playing golf with his son Marcus and good friends. His other hobbies included clay-bird shooting, canoeing, hunting, and fishing. He had a passion for marksmanship and enjoyed the technical aspects of building a rifle. Some of his favorite times were spent smoking ribs and barbecuing for friends and family. He loved cooking big family dinners, as long as you stayed out of his way in the kitchen.
The best place to find Steve was at his favorite watering hole where he was enjoying time with his friends and cohorts or spending weekend mornings birdwatching on the deck with his wife. Steve and Tracy enjoyed watching cooking shows together and met Lydia at her restaurant.
Steve’s latest fanboy hobby was Travis and Taylor news. He always had the latest scoop. He couldn’t wait for them to settle down and start a family.
He would cap off the day by kicking back with a nice bourbon.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
From my family to yours, our condolences. Always loved the stories my Dad tells of he and Steve’s adventures while living in Wyoming. He will be missed, greatly. Godspeed.
You will be dearly missed, but always remembered. No one could forget your stories, even if they wanted to! 😉 Sending all my love and strength to your family… and thank you for always being a part of ours! Rest well, Uncle Stevey Cheesey!! 💖
My beloved Steve. I don’t know how to say goodbye. I’ve loved you for such a long time, and I will love you forever. Our time together on this earth just didn’t seem to be in God’s plan but I will spend eternity with you when I get there. I love you forever and always.
Steve,
Dave treasured your friendship. Listening to you both share stories and laugh together was priceless. Rest in peace, God bless you and your family Tracy.