Robert “Bob” Stephens
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The world has lost another beautiful soul.
Robert “Bob” Lawrence Stephens, 86, of Lawrence, died in the early hours of Friday, July 14, 2023, in Lawrence after one heckuva fight against Parkinson’s.
Memorial services for Bob will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023. There will be a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private family burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.
Bob was born with ornery in his veins on January 31, 1937, in Clinton, Missouri, the eldest son of Howard Lawrence and Margaret Francis (Renfrow) Stephens.
He never expected handouts from anyone, only giving what little he had to others. And that included the use of his beloved ‘41 Dodge with the “fluid drive.” The keys stayed in the car, and the understanding was just to leave a few dollars on the seat for gas.
Bob met the love of his life, Mary Kay Hendrich, while they were both students at Clinton High School in Clinton, Missouri. The two married on August 31,1958, and were blessed to have had nearly 65 years together.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Bob worked multiple jobs when the couple first married, even driving a cab on the weekends while the two attended Central Missouri State College. He served as a tank commander in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1959 – 1964.
Bob was a natural when it came to sales and started his career in 1957 at Manor Baking Company. From there, he joined Meyers Dairy and worked his way up from delivery services (delivering two quarts of buttermilk to Phogg Allen each week) to sales manager. When the company’s headquarters moved to Dallas, Texas, Bob had some decisions to make. Bleeding crimson and blue since he stepped foot into Lawrence, moving wasn’t an option.
In 1970, Bob joined Mitchell Agency as a real estate salesperson, and in 1978, with Mary Kay by his side, the two opened the doors to Stephens Real Estate. Bob spent the next 32 years as a Lawrence real estate broker and developer, growing his business to more than 60 sales associates. He was happiest when he was able to help a young couple into their first home, mentoring his sales associates or working to improve his community. Bob believed deeply in giving back to the Lawrence community, serving on numerous boards, including the Douglas County Development Corporation, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
When Bob wasn’t in the office, you’d find him swapping stories in one of his morning coffee groups or out on the golf course for a round with his buddies. But most of all, Bob was happiest when he was with his family. From family tennis matches that always ended with one of his famous trick shots to attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and the annual Stephens Family Golf Tournament, nothing was more important than his family, a lesson he taught his four children.
Bob is survived by, and greatly missed by, his wife, Mary Kay Stephens; his son, Douglas L. (LaDonna) Stephens; three daughters, Diana L. (Bob) Lisher, Deb L. (Scott) Holzmeister and Denise L. Kahler; his brother, William “Bill” Stephens; 10 grandchildren, Justin (Amber) Stephens, Caleb Stephens, Jayme (Blake) Savage, Brett (Darci) Lisher, Michael (Melissa) Lisher, Katherine Holzmeister, Amy (Max) Stockslager, Joe (Carlie) Holzmeister, Regan (Taylor) Stuart, Maren (Matt) Blessent, and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Phillip Stephens; three sisters, Wanda Waugh, Patricia Davis, Pam Taliaferro; and a grandson, Zach Stephens.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the “Bob’s Award” care of the Lawrence Schools Foundation or to Family Promise and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
As he would always say about others, Bob was truly a “super guy.”
Online condolences may be left at warrenmcewlain.com.
We’re so sorry for your loss. He contributed so much to Lawrence. A great businessman and a real gentleman.
Dear Diana, Bob, Doug, LaDonna, Mrs Stephens and family
I know you take great joy in the fact that Mr Stephens knew and loved the Lord. He was so proud of each of you and loved you very much. He will be dearly missed by the community. May God hold you close at this time in your grief. Thoughts of love and prayers coming your way.
Mary Kay and family,
What a wonderful man you have lost. The contributions of Bob Stephens to Lawrence will live on in so many positive ways. I respected and admired him very much. You will be in my heart as you say goodbye.
Mary Kay and family, Bob was such a kind and friendly man. His love for you and your entire clan was evident. Praying for God’s comfort and peace. Steve and Lori Myrick
Who DIDN’T know Bob? He and Warren Mitchell changed the ‘face’ of Lawrence in the real estate business. ‘They’ don’t make ’em like him anymore.
Mary Kay and family,
Bob was such a wonderful man! He was a valued member of the Lawrence community and raised a super family! He will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stephens family at this difficult time. Your many cherished memories will be a comfort to you!
Dear Doug, LaDonna, Mary Kay, Diana, Bob, and family,
Bob was a very supportive, intelligent, kind, and amazing man! Bob and Doug were very supportive of my late-mother, Ann Hedrick by helping her launch and grow her real estate career at Stephens Real Estate. Bob was a well respected leader and businessman. He made everyone feel special and he loved his family and friends. Bob will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Bob will always be remembered as a man who was an Optimist, not only as a member of Lawrence Optimist Club, but also a person who was an optimistic. Bob was a man who always had a smile on his face, and laughter that warmed your heart. Bob you will be missed. God be with your family.
Denise,
My Dad always called your Dad, Super Guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
He always called me “kiddo” at Stephens Real Estate. Bob Stephens gave to me a “greatest gift” ever in my career. I was transferring my license..he took me to lunch at LCC to discuss the move..Rather than pout like some, his words to me were so very rich and personal regarding how he saw me as a Realtor.
I wii NEVER forget that moment with Bob Stephens..an man with a big heart (and even a wet eye) when the moment called for it. A consummate professional indeed!
My heart is broken with all of your’s..what a fabulous family! What a gentle giant of a man!
May God hold you close in the parting with His magnificent mercy and comfort and grace.🙏🏻
We very much regret the passing of our good friend, and one of our all-time best citizens and community leaders. His smile, good humor, optimism, and generosity will be especially missed. The man who early in his work in Lawrence was a milk delivery man achieved much and contributed enormously to the benefit of the whole community. We extend all our condolences to his chief supporter and devoted wife, Mary Kay, and his family.
While I didn’t personally know Bob, I’ve worked for his daughter, Denise, for nearly eight years. I know he was a beloved family man. It sounds like Bob was a well-loved and respected member of the Lawrence community, too. My condolences to his daughter, Denise, his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We here at KSDE are thinking of you and your family, Denise.
Bob was definitely one of a kind, what a great man! Thoughts and prayers to his family at this difficult time! He will definitely be missed!
I only had the opportunity to meet Bob once or twice but I worked with his daughter, Diana , and loved watching her husband Bob work his usual miracles with the Free State football team and knew Bob was a very successful businessman and great person from conversations with Bob Billings. He was always gracious and positive for this community. We ‘ve lost another icon of the community. Peace to all the family members.
May all the good memories of him be emblazoned in your hearts and minds for future solid guidance on how to live, – faith, family and community.
I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man and brother-in-law.
From the moment I met Bob we were instantly family.
Bob is in God’s hands now, out of pain and reunited with his family in Heaven.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
My dear Cousins and Aunt MaryKay,
My heart, love and prayers go out to you all! For those who never knew Uncle Bob, they truly lost out. I have many great memories, and as I reflect upon those, I can hear his voice, his laughter and see that beautiful smile of his.
Sorry for your loss Doug. I remember your dad mostly from Scouts.
Doug and family – please accept my condolences for your loss. it was my pleasure to know and work with Bob in a number of his real estate sales. He was a gentleman who always took the time to help anyone he could. His word and his handshake were a binding contract, and his friendly demeanor attracted similar people to join him in his business ventures. The Lawrence community has lost a real treasure.
Mary Kay and Family,
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to your family during this tough time. Bob touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I got the chance to work with him at SRE.
Aunt MaryKay and family, keeping you in my prayers at such a difficult time. Cherish all the beautiful memories you have and he will be in your heart always.
Mary Kay, so sorry for your loss. Bob was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I count myself lucky for just having known him..
To the entire Stephens family, we send our prayers and deepest sympathy. The entire Lawrence community has lost a great man. Bob was such a caring person and always had a smile on his face. Although I worked at a competing brokerage firm, he was always friendly and interested in what I wad up to. Bob has gone on to a peaceful life where there is no pain or sorrow. May God bless you all.
Doug and LaDonna and all the Stephens family: Katherine and I will miss Bob–what an engaging guy! We are privileged to have known him. I pray you would be shown again and again how loved you are by the Lord, just as you have seen how much Bob loved you-all.
In God’s precious I us arms you rest. Mary Kay and your family we pray for strength to go through this.
Bob was an amazing businessman but more importantly he was a great family man! His generosity to our community touched so many lives. I am proud to have known him personally and professionally! He never met a stranger and in my opinion that was his greatest strength! His smile and enthusiasm was infectious. His greetings always made you feel special! His love for our community is unparalleled. Lawrence KS lost an icon with his passing. But heaven has gained a great man!
My condolences to Mary Kay and family, although it’s been years I have fond memories of going with my parents to dinner parties at your house.
Dear Mary Kay and all the Stephen’s family, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a very special caring friend to everyone he met. Doug and I met Bob not long after moving to Lawrence in 1975. I will never forget how kind he was when Doug died. All I can say if there is golf in heaven they are on the course
Mary Kay and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
I will always remember him as a special and kind person, a great boss for 28 years, a caring friend, and mentor. So many good memories!!
My deepest condolences.
Mary Kay and family – My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. Bob was one of the kindest men I ever met, always greeting me with a smile. He seemed to have an inner happiness and truly enjoyed his life with his family and his many, many friends. A giving and compassionate man to the Lawrence community, he will be missed. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.
It is with a great deal of sadness that I type this message. Bob and I first met at the Breakfast Optimist Club in 1970. We enjoyed working the Christmas Tree Lot along with Jim Yowell. Lots of stories and very fond memories. Bob has been a role model in every aspect that I can think of, throughout these many years. His family, his business endeavors and his community work all reflect the Bob I knew and respected. We’ll all miss him, but to be sure he’s now in a far better place. Peace be with you, my friend.
Mary Kay and family,
Bob was a really great guy. It was a privilege to be part of one of his many coffee and lunch groups. He was full of compassion and encouragement. He truly loved people and I will miss him.
We are thinking of you during this time of loss.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. My best memories of Bob were KU Basketball games. Whenever we went to games with my Uncle John Harris (which his seats were right in front of Bob) the stories Bob would tell were VERY entertaining. Prayers to you all at this sad time.
One only has to say his name: Bob Stephens, and most everyone in Lawrence has a story to tell. He touched so many lives. RIP Bob knowing you made this world a better place.
It was a Great day when Bob & Mary Kay moved their family to Lawrence. The Stephens have made a significant difference in the community and it’s quality of life. Bob’s positivity influenced those who knew and worked with him. He was one of the best success stories of our time.
Bob and my father (Gene Riling) were great friends and golfing buddies! Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Our condolences to the whole Stephens family. Bob was a wonderful man, an absolute pillar of the community and First Presbyterian Church, and friends with everyone. We hope that you will find comfort in your memories.
MaryKay and Family,
Bob was one of my father’s, John Morozzo, best friends and I am certain they are watching Royals baseball games together and “shooting the breeze” about the stats! Bob Floyd employed my father at Jayhawk Food Mart in 1970 where Bob Stephens was a frequent customer at Hole in The Wall for lunch or coffee. There were great days of enjoyment and acceptance as he was surrounded by a cadre of caring friends who talked sports, fishing stories, and family happenings. Bob gave my dad an unbelievable opportunity, a trip/ticket to watch Royals games in person, something he had never experienced before! Bob’s gracious, sharing heart made this become a common event for my dad. I could never tell Bob enough how much we ALL loved and appreciated him. He exuded the Christian values of his faith in every dimension. Eternity gained a Super Hero of ours!
I’m so sorry for your loss. No one could say a bad word about Bob. I know it’s been a rough road for both of you. God’s blessings for both of you and your family.