Don Stephens, 97, of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026. A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, followed by funeral services. Interment in the Brady Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brady Cemetery, in c/o Mike Herrel,  32000 South St. Rt. W.,  Archie, MO 64725.

Don was born December 7, 1928, at home in Harrisonville, a son of William Sloan and Mary Belle (Potts) Stephens. He was raised on the family farm in the Lone Tree area and attended Lone Tree Rural School # 60. Don joined the Marines as soon as he was old enough and served from 1947 to 1949. Always looking for an adventure, after his discharge from the Marines in 1949, he returned home and talked his brother, Louis, into joining him in a journey to Alaska to work and help build the Alaskan Highway.

After returning from Alaska, Don started his lifelong farming career, and met the love of his life, Velma Frances Lawson. They were united in marriage on March 23, 1951, and they spent 56 wonderful years together until her passing on November 29, 2007. In addition to farming, Don also ran a sawmill for many years. He served on the ASCS Board for 30 years and was a very avid, lifelong fisherman and hunter. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Velma; two brothers; four sisters; and his son-in-law, Tony. He is survived by three daughters: Donna Stephens (husband, Tony, deceased), Dianne Saffels (Rick), Debra Elarton (Jerry); a son, Doug Stephens; five grandchildren: Stacy Honigman (Mark), Stephanie Goss (Jeff), Sabrina Brink (Jason), Chris Stephens (Marie) and Alex Stephens (Maddie); 12 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Golden Years in Harrisonville for their great nursing care for Don for the last four years.