Richard Stephens

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Richard Scott Stephens passed away on August 20th, 2026 in Springfield, MO following an illness.

Richard was born September 28th, 1965 in Ontario, OR to David James and Arlene Lucille (Mohler) Stephens. He was the youngest and therefor spoiled by his parents and older siblings, who will miss him dearly. When he wanted his favorite food he would just bat his eyes and ask his mother for KFC where she would barely hesitate to say well I guess so.

In 1984 Richard joined the military after high school, serving in Desert Storm. He was stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1991. During his time in Germany he married Beate Ulrich in 1988. Shortly after they and son David welcomed another son Nic who was Richards pride and joy. They later divorced and Richard moved back to the US where he rein listed and served in Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005, where he was also honorably discharged.

Richard was a humorous guy always telling and pulling jokes on people. He was a great friend to those who knew him and a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. One of Richards favorite things to do was go back to his hometown and visit with his best friends Jack and Joe Getman where they would tell stories of the good old days when he ran around with them and his brothers. You could always find Rich with a cold Mountain Dew in his hands wherever he went, whether it be visiting with friends, playing the computer or Xbox, or visiting his favorite town in Uranus, MO. He loved arguing with his son Nic on their football teams between the chiefs and ravens, but even after was so proud to show off pictures of his son Nic and Daughter in law and his grandkids.

Richard is survived by his son Nicolas Stephens and wife Nicole of Monfeld, Germany, their children Samuel and Elly. His Stepson David Ulrich and wife Julia of Stadtprozelten, Germany, their children Ida and Leo. His Fiancé Sharon Castagno of the home and her son Adam McWilliams. His siblings; Wanda Tucker of Knoxville, TN. Hazel Swinney of Park City, KS. Christine Stephens of Valley Center, KS. Davida Powell of Pink, OK. Lavena Folk (Robert) of Oswego, KS. Brenda Fullhart of Oswego, KS. James Stephens (Kim) of Miami, OK. Irita Long of Grove, OK. Floyd Stephens of Noel, MO. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death and awaited with open arms by his parents, his brothers David L Stephens, Martin Stephens, William “Ted” Stephens. His sisters Virginia Stephens, Naomi Stephens, Caroline Stephens, and Eva Stephens. Nephews Jesse Stephens and William “Joey” Stephens.

Richard will be deeply missed but always remembered. Family and friends are invited to come remember Richard on Friday August 28th and the community building in Chetopa, Ks from 3-7 a private inurnment will be held at a later date.