Obituaries / LJWorld.com

Obituaries

Steven Louis Stone, 61, passed away November 26, 2012 at Faith Village, Bethesda Lutheran Home in Overland Park, Ks. He was born October 4, 1961 in Lawrence, KS. Steve was the son of Bessie and Louis Stone, both deceased. He is survived by his sisters, Pamela Varenhorst (Richard), and Jennifer Woods (Peter); 3 nieces, April Hines, Abigail Woods, Catie Varenhorst; 2 nephews, Daniel Schuckman, Garrett Varenhorst; 3 great-nieces, Madison Hines, Taylor Hines, Sofia Schuckman; 1 great-nephew, Hudson Schuckman.
Stevie was a special man of simple pleasures. He will always be remembered as a lover of plastic guitars, red baseball caps, fire engines, a good haircut, family visits, and most importantly, a McDonald’s hamburger and chocolate milkshake. His infectious laugh and impromptu renditions of “Happy Birthday To You” will be painfully missed.
After Stevie was born, his Mother realized a support group or home for children with mental retardation did not exist in Lawrence. She went around to bulletin boards in grocery stores, leaving her name for people to contact if they were in the same situation. After receiving a huge response, the families she united decided to buy a house to develop a day program for children with disabilities, as well as a support for their parents. Bessie was out campaigning to raise money for the home the day she died in a car accident. Afterward, a home at 7th & Ohio in Lawrence was purchased and named the Bess Stone Activity Center for Retarded Children. A training facility, Cottonwood, Inc., eventually grew from this endeavor. Through those who loved him, Steve has touched and changed a great many lives for the better. To leave a special message for the family please visit www. PenwellGabelOlathe.com
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