Larry Joel Stephens

Larry Joel Stephens, 52, of Topeka, died unexpectedly of atherosclerosis coronary disease Wednesday March 18, 2009 at his home.  It was a blessing and comfort that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He was born July 23, 1956 in Cheboygan, MI the son of Russell and Anita (Prine) Stephens.

Larry attended Davison, MI schools where he was active in all sports.  Larry was awarded a football scholarship at Grand Valley State in Allendale, MI. He attended Lawrence Technical College with an emphasis on engineering.   He was in the construction field for many years and was recently an associate at Gardner Floor Covering managing the professional tile cleaning service.

Larry was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church,  Eagle Lodge and Shawnee Country Club.  He had a deep faith in God and the Bible was his daily source of  inspiration and comfort. 

Larry was married to Renee Gardner on December 19, 2003 in Topeka.  She survives.

His mother Anita preceded him in death in 2006.

Survivors besides his wife included two sons, Tyler Joel Stephens and his fiancé, Jessica Vasquez and their daughter Laila, and Garrett Wayne Stephens, his father Russell, four siblings, Lynn (Anita) Stephens, Beverly (Dick) Clark, Matt (Susan) Stephens, Mark (Debbie) Stephens, a special niece Jenna Stephens, in-laws Marvin (Irene) Gardner, brother in-law Marvin Gardner, Jr. and sister in-law Tracy Gardner.  His four legged companion Shelby also survives.

Larry would tell you his greatest joy and achievement in his life were his children.  He was proud of the fact that he coached his boys baseball teams over the years.  He often spoke of how proud he was of them and looked forward to watching Tyler’s baby Laila grow up.  He also looked forward to attending Garrett’s baseball games who plays for the University of Michigan.  He was so looking forward to traveling to Iowa next weekend to watch Garrett play baseball and travel home at Easter to see his children and his six week old granddaughter.  Larry’s hobbies included golf, watching sports and bowling.  After moving to Topeka he became a Jayhawk fan.

Larry will lie in state from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday evenings at the Allen Funeral Home in Davison, Michigan.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Davison with interment following in the Davison Cemetery.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas on Friday, March 27th at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church Capital Campaign Fund or to the Mandy Gardner Scholarship Fund at the Topeka Community Foundation.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.