Zachary Ryan Stephens

 

A Celebration of Life for Zachary Ryan Stephens, 25, Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. He passed away January 28, 2018 at his home.

Zachary was born June 19, 1992 in Kansas City, MO the son of Doug and LaDonna (Hiner) Stephens.

Zachary was an entrepreneur. He was an independent consultant with the Zurita corporation and owned Stephens Lawn Mowing Service. He was self-employed. During his life Zach worked as a sales associate at Ace Hardware and Walmart, a clerk at Dillons, the grounds crew at Golf Course Superintendents of America, Pine’s Garden Center, and Anderson Rentals all in Lawrence.

Zach graduated High School at the Milestones Academy in Kansas City and attended classes at Kansas City Community College. Zach had many hobbies and interests. He loved riding motorcycles, camping, going on trips, and collecting. He had a gift for fixing things. He was a member of the Jayhawk Model Masters Club of Lawrence. He was an advanced pilot and enjoyed flying and building rc airplanes, cars and trucks.

He attends Velocity Church and has attended Morning Start Church and First Presbyterian churches in the past where he has many friends and loved ones. He is a supporter of Family Promise of Lawrence.

Survivors include his parents, of Lawrence; two brothers, Justin (Amber McClelland) Stephens and Caleb Stephens, both of Lawrence; maternal grandparents, Ray and LaVerne Hiner; paternal grandparents, Bob and Mary Kay Stephens; three aunts, Diana (Bob) Lisher, Debbie (Scott) Holzmeister, Denise Kahler; one uncle, Vance Hiner (Loretta) and numerous cousins.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to Zachary Ryan Stephens Memorial Fund, a fund to support the causes of the disadvantaged, and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

56 Condolences

  1. Lee Queen on January 30, 2018 at 7:35 am

    Doug and Ladonna,
    So sad and sorry to hear about Zack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
    The Queens.



  2. John Mack on January 30, 2018 at 8:04 am

    Ladonna and Doug,
    I just saw this notice in the paper and wanted to let you know how truly sorry I am for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
    John (Mack)



  3. Janice Kummer on January 30, 2018 at 9:43 am

    Doug and Ladonna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  4. Rita Lindsey Mcgrew on January 30, 2018 at 11:08 am

    LaDonna and Doug,
    We are so sorry to hear of your sons death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
    Sincerely,
    John and Rita (Lindsey) McGrew



  5. Nancy Hettwer on January 30, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time!



  6. Gary Long on January 30, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Doug,
    I was shocked to see the news. Thought I had many years ahead to happily help Zach keep his motor bike alive. One never knows. Maybe now he finds the D 500 motor he so wanted to buy. I will miss his visits.



  7. Carl Lisher on January 30, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. The 4th of July will not be the same without him. You guys are in our families thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Carl, Jordan, Pierce, & Mason Lisher



  8. Craig and Sarah Campbell on January 30, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Doug and LaDonna:

    I am so sorry for the loss of Zach. He was a gem. Keeping your family in our prayers.



  9. Taylor Horvat on January 30, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    Doug & LaDonna- my heart is broken for you. I have and will continue to pray for you during this time of immense grief. I’m believing that the Lord will wrap you in comfort and understanding in his perfect timing and be with you as you hurt. You are so loved by your Velocity family and supported always. There are things we may never understand on earth, but we know God is still in control and loves us so much. I wish there was more I could do but I know the power of prayer is so great that I’m believing God will hear all the prayers being lifted up for you right now. He is hurting with you. You are so incredibly loved. ???? “you will keep in perfect peace those who are steadfast as they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3



  10. Millinda Fowles on January 30, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    Doug & Ladonna,
    We love you so much and are so sorry for you. I remember the first time I met Zach on Mother’s Day a few years ago. He was so proud to be your son. He asked me to take a picture of you together. I happily obliged. We hope you feel our prayers and love.



  11. Jesse, Torrie, Zeb, Ayanna & Izabelle on January 30, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, Justin, & Caleb,
    I am so sorry for your tremendous loss of of Zach! He will forever be in our hearts.
    We love you and are praying for you in this time.



  12. Clenece Hills on January 30, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    To all the Stephens and Hiner family members:
    I will remember Zach with a wry smile and total amusement because the first time I met him he arrived at my door with three vacuum cleaners, a mop, and several other accessories. He was very impatient with my lack of proper equipment to clean house! I loved that he loved root beer and that he did not hesitate to correct me if he thought I was mistaken about something. I know that there was much about his life that was unfulfilled. I grieve for him and I pray that now he will find that kind of comfort and peace and acceptance that he so desperately wanted on earth. I am grateful to have learned more about myself from Zach, and I believe that he has taught me to extend myself beyond what is safe or easy. Please know that I am thinking of all of you, especially you, Mary Kay, and you LaVerne, Zach’s two doting grandmothers who adored him.



  13. Julie Mahaffey Augeri on January 30, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    I am so very sorry to hear about Zachary. I pray for the Lord’s comfort of your hearts now and in the days to come. Much love in Him.



  14. Mary Beth Hill on January 30, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    LaDonna, Doug and family

    I just read about Zach. I am sorry for your loss and while you grieve know that your vast community of friends and family have wrapped you in faith. I will always remember Zach on the back of my scooter and how happy he was.



  15. George Wedge and family on January 30, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Caleb, Doug, Justin and LaDonna.

    I was shocked to hear about Zach. I will always remember us doing Special Populations Basketball and doing Special Olympics. I will also remember playing LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga in your downstairs basement. He will be missed by us all.



  16. John and Pam Mitchell on January 30, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, and family,
    We are saddened to hear about Zach. We want you to know that we will be thinking about you all during this sad time. We remember you bringing Zach to church soon after he was born and how loved he was by all of his family.



  17. Ryan and Miriam Hickman on January 30, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,

    We have fond memories of Zach, such a contagious smile and so friendly. He will be remembered fondly. We are so very sorry for your loss, yet we know that one day, you will laugh alongside Zach once again, in a place where there will be no more pain. Our family is lifting you up in our prayers.



  18. Miriam Hickman on January 30, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,

    We have fond memories of Zach, such a contagious smile and so friendly. He will be remembered fondly. We are so very sorry for your loss, yet we know that one day, you will laugh alongside Zach once again, in a place where there will be no more pain. Our family is lifting you up in our prayers.



  19. Max Wedel on January 30, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    May you all be filled with peace and comfort that surpasses understanding. Love and light being sent from afar.



  20. Brian and Cheri Ezell on January 30, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    Our hearts break for you all. Prayers for your family to feel God’s presence and strength during this unimaginable loss. Hugs to all.



  21. Sandy Cooper on January 30, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    I am so very sorry for the huge loss of your son Zack, LaDonna and Doug. We are completely unprepared to survive the passing of our children. You have my prayers and love at this unimaginable time. Arms around you both.



  22. Erick and Sandra Ogwangi on January 30, 2018 at 6:43 pm

    Our hearts broke when we heard the news! It is just so sad to lose such a charming warming soul! I am always going to remember how humble, loving, and how he was always wanted to help others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.



  23. Cheryl Harmon on January 30, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    Doug and LaDonna
    I was so shocked and saddened to see Caleb’s post about Zack. He was a special child with special gifts and used them to help others understand the importance of life no matter who we are. I know Zack’s life was special to all who knew him. He has gone home all to soon. My heart is with you at this time and so is our Father.



  24. Nancy Reitz on January 30, 2018 at 7:45 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, and Family,
    Joe and I are so saddened by Zach’s death. Our hearts ache for you. At the same time we rejoice at the joy he brought to your lives here on earth and the joy you are promised with him for all eternity in heaven.
    Joe and Nancy Reitz



  25. Josh Crum on January 30, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    Doug and LaDonna, I’m so truly sorry to hear of your loss. I trust your faith, while it might not assuage your immediate pain, will provide comfort in this time of loss. My prayers are with you and your family.



  26. Toland Hippe on January 30, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, and Family:

    Words cannot express the sorrow that I feel for your loss. You will be held in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that you may find some peace and comfort in each other, in family, friends, and your loving memories of Zach.



  27. Christopher Wallace on January 30, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. It is truly a parent’s worst nightmare to have a child go before them. My thoughts, prayers, and utmost condolences go out to you and the entire family. May God wrap his or her loving arms around you all and offer you peace.



  28. Adrienne & Alex Karam on January 30, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    LaDonna, Doug, and family,
    My heart is broken as I learn of your loss. Alex, Enzo, and I are offering up unending prayer for your comfort and peace. May each of you be wrapped in beautiful memories of all the love and the joy that your beautiful boy shared with you , and so many other during his brief but bright time on earth. Until he cheerfully greets you in heaven, you will have the most blessed angel watching over you. With our very heartfelt sympathies, and our loving arms around you. We are so very sorry for your loss.



  29. Rob and Micki Chestnut on January 30, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    We are so, so sad to hear about the loss of your beautiful son. We will be holding you and your entire family in our hearts.



  30. Paul Laird on January 30, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    Doug and LaDonna:

    We are devastated to hear about your loss. We remember Zach so fondly years ago at First Presbyterian. May your memories offer you comfort in the days and weeks to come.

    Paul and Joy Laird



  31. Julie Nicole Pagenkopf on January 30, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Zach was a great person to talk to, very sharp and very passionate about helping people. I am really going to miss visiting with him.



  32. Chris and Alicia Newkirk on January 30, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    Wow, Doug and LaDonna. No words. We’re so sorry to hear and are praying for you and your family.



  33. Bill Elkins with the Jayhawk Model Masters on January 31, 2018 at 10:41 am

    Doug and LaDonna
    I and all the Jayhawk Modelmasters are sadden by the news of Zachs passing .He was a very fun and engaging young man and I, personally loved his enthusiasm that he brought to the club that is full of older members. All our thoughts and prayers will be with you in this time of great loss.
    Bill ELKINS



  34. Lauri Bernet on January 31, 2018 at 11:20 am

    Dear, sweet family in Christ, our hearts are breaking for your loss. We look forward to meeting Zach in eternity where we are sure he is enjoying the presence of the Lord. Much love to you both and many prayers for your comfort and peace. Brad, Lauri and Ethan Bernet



  35. Rich & Ann Lorenzo on January 31, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Doug & LaDonna,

    Our family is saddened by Zach’s death. This is a tremendous loss. May God’s love comfort you and your family during this time and the weeks ahead. We will always remember Zach’s friendliness and enthusiasm for life.



  36. Rhonda and Brent Morrison on January 31, 2018 at 11:34 am

    Doug and LaDonna,
    Words cannot express how saddened we were to hear about Zach’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Zach was blessed to have you in his life as I know you feel your lives were blessed by his being in yours. Love,
    Brent and Rhonda



  37. Barbara J. Wilson on January 31, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, Caleb, and loving Grandparents.
    I was saddened to read of Zach’ passing. My heart goes out to all of you- may you find comfort in our Loving Lord, that He will see you though this most difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Barb Wilson



  38. Steve Strom on January 31, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    Leta and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of our friend, Zach. He was an incredible gift to us and to our community. His smiling face and zeal for life will be greatly missed. Please know we are standing with you in prayer at this time. May you sense the fullness of God’s love surround you and your family.
    Steve & Leta Strom



  39. Cathy Stephens on January 31, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    Dear Doug & LaDonna;
    What a truly sad day that our Lord In Heaven took Zak away.
    You have my heart felt sympathy.



  40. Sharon Wiggins on January 31, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    To Bob & Mary Kay and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Zach, but it sounds like he was a wonderful young man who was full of joy and loved by all who knew him. May God bless you all with good memories and bring you peace.
    Shari and Nyle Wiggins



  41. Ava Sneed on January 31, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    Doug & LaDonna,
    My heart is saddened for your loss of Zach. He was such a sweet young man! Take comfort in knowing he’s dancing around God’s throne with great-grandma Hazel and they’re having a grand ole time!
    I love you guys,
    Ava



  42. Jenny Clark on January 31, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    LaDonna and Doug, My heart grieves with yours from the loss of Zach. There simply are no words to describe the profound sadness of his passing. Know that I am thinking of you and sending you hugs.



  43. Tami on January 31, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    My heart, hugs, love and prayers go out to you all.



  44. Annette Hughes on January 31, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    Doug, LaDonna, and Family,
    So sad to hear about Zach. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.



  45. Barry Frank on January 31, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    I remember a young Zach very well from his grade school years. I always enjoyed seeing him. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you God’s peace.



  46. Dan Hardtarfer on February 1, 2018 at 2:20 am

    Doug and LaDonna,
    Thoughts and prayers for your family.



  47. Gail Ellis on February 1, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    LaDonna and Doug,

    He is gone, too soon. We will hold you in our hearts as you walk through the coming days.

    Gail, Jim, and Andrew Ellis



  48. Michele Vignola-Rogers on February 1, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    LaDonna and Doug,
    Words cannot express how sad we were to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and always.

    Jerry, Jane, Kyle and Michele Rogers



  49. Bobby Jones on February 1, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers for you and your family.



  50. Rhonda Stubbs on February 1, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    Doug and LaDonna.
    I my heart goes out to you both and your family. I was very sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed. I am so glad I had the pleasure of knowing Zach.
    He taught me a lot.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Rhonda Stubbs



  51. Jeff and Kelly Jones on February 1, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and we will pray for peace and comfort for you all.

    Jeff, Kelly, Parker and Charlie Jones



  52. Greg Schlappi on February 1, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,
    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can find strength in your friends care and prayers.



  53. Ron & Treena Mason on February 2, 2018 at 4:56 am

    Doug and LaDonna,
    We wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to both of you during this time of sorrow. We are truly sorry for your loss and we will keep you in our prayers.



  54. Maley Wilkins on February 2, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    I am so sad to hear about Zach. Please know that your family is my thoughts and prayers. Celebrate his life, in yours.



  55. Rodger and Sheryl Henry on February 5, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.



  56. Derek and Debbie Rogers on February 14, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Doug and LaDonna,

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.



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