Donald James Stephens

Donald James Stephens of southern Greenwood County died Thursday, April 6, 2023, age 76, while tending to his land.

He was born March 8, 1947, in Winfield, Kansas, the son of John James and Nina Elva (Powers) Stephens of Burden. Raised in rural Elk County, Don graduated from Moline High School with the Class of 1965. He attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1969. After graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Army to serve in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1971.

After his military service he returned to Kansas working as a 4-H agent for K-State Extension in Rice County for three years. On November 22, 1975, Don was united in marriage to Janet Kay Frankenbery in Altoona. They made their home in southern Greenwood County where Don started Rafter S Ranch and farmed with his family. There they raised their two children, Clint and Sara.

Don was a member of the K-State Alumni Association, the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association, First United Methodist Church, and had served on the local boards for Farm Bureau Board and Soil Conservation. He was a fan of K-State Football and all baseball, especially his granddaughter’s softball team and the Kansas City Royals.

Don is survived by his wife Jan, his children: Clint & Trina Ramirez Stephens of Lawrence, and Sara & Jay Shivers of Greenwood County; his grandchildren: Stella and Margot Shivers, and Fiona and Felix Mawhirter; and his brother, Larry Stephens of Winfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers: Roger Stephens and Harry Stephens.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka with Rev. Linda Pope officiating. Following the service, a reception with the family will be held. A private family inurnment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Greenwood County 4-H Foundation. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045.