Donald Stephens

(From Bedene Funeral Home)

Donald G. Stephens, 85, of Arcadia, Kansas died at 12:24 P.M Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Via Christi Hospital at Pittsburg, Kansas.

Mr. Stephens was born September 30, 1938 at Arcadia, Kansas the son of Herbert and Hattie Copeland Stephens. Donald was a retired crane operator who was a lifelong resident of Arcadia. He was raised in Arcadia and graduated from Arcadia High School in the Class of 1956. He was a construction worker-crane operator for Snyder Construction and Bridge in Joplin, Missouri. 

He married Fern Wheeler on May 19, 1961 in Miami, Oklahoma. Mrs. Stephens survives at the home. He was a member of the Mindenmines Church of God Church, the Operating Engineers Local #101, and the Construction Union #16. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. 

Survivors include his wife, Fern of the home, a daughter, Donna (Bryan) Rickman of Girard, a son, Donald Stephens of Palm Bay, Florida, two grandchildren, James (Kayla) Spencer and Maegan (Zach) Williford, and four great grandchildren, Xander and Chandler Williford and Emery and Cale Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sandra Stephens, and three brothers, Robert. John, and Ronald Stephens.

Funeral services will be at 2 P.M. Monday, July 1, 2024 at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma, Kansas with Pastor Charlie Burnett and Pastor Jarel Burnside officiating. Burial will be at the Sheffield Cemetery at Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 P.M. Sunday at the Bedene Chapel in Arma. 

The family suggests memorials to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.