Mike Stephens

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Michael T. “Mike” Stephens, 73, of Joplin, MO, passed from this life on Sunday evening, October 2, 2016 while at the Joplin Gardens Nursing Center.

Mike was born on July 24, 1943 in Medford, OR, son of the late Arthur Kaslow Stephens and Leona Christine (Blaskey) Stephens. At the age of 4, Mike and his family moved from Iowa to the Carthage, MO area, where he graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1961. At a young age, Mike had a passion for architectural drawing and design. He made that dream a reality and graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design in 1967. He had worked for many years as an Architect in Joplin and Springfield.

Mike had many talents and hobbies in his life but none surpassed his passion for collecting model trains and creating cartoons and birthday cards for his family and friends. He was known to the recipient as “Hall-Mike”. His creativity and humor will never be forgotten.

On October 11, 1963 in Carthage, MO, Mike and Mary Jane Davis were united in marriage. To this union three children were born. During their almost 53 years of marriage, they were blessed with countless blessings and wonderful memories made together.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary, of Joplin; his son, Aaron Paul Stephens and wife Tracy, of Joplin; his daughter, Kendall Vanderbol and husband Adam, of Galena, KS; his brother, Mark Stephens, of Joplin; seven grandchildren, Chelsea and Keith Freeman, Nicholas, Chad and Corey Stephens and Ryan and Linden Vanderbol; and one great-grandson, Noah Freeman.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Melissa Stephens.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016 at the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, MO with Reverend Richard Morris officiating. Memorial visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been requested to Avalon Hospice in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, MO. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO