CLAFLIN — Roger Alan Stephens, 72, passed away on Aug. 17, 2024 surrounded by his family at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. He was born Nov. 2, 1951 in Indio, Calif., son of Clifford and Ruth (Stanbrough) Stephens. He married Rita Joann Pekarek on July 6, 1974 in Wilson, Kan.
He graduated from Claflin High School in 1969 and Fort Hays State University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry. Following graduation, he worked for the Department of Health and Environment in Dodge City. In 1981, he started working at the Bushton Natural Gas processing plant as a chemist where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 2021. Roger was a member of the Claflin United Methodist Church. He was an avid reader and enjoyed farming at the family farm in Wilson. He loved watching his kids and grandkids learn and grow while enjoying all of their activities.
He is survived by his wife Rita; son, Eric A. Stephens of Hays; daughters, Shawna R. Roark and husband Michael of Garden City, and Elisha A. Chambers and husband Chad of Leon; grandchildren, Mason and Molly Roark, and Stetson Chambers; sister, Dawn Hinds and husband Randy of Meriden, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant siblings; brother Bobby and sister Bonnie Stephens; and granddaughter Morgan Roark.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., all at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at Claflin United Methodist Church, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin, Kan. Memorials to Independent Township Library of Claflin, Claflin United Methodist Church, or University of Kansas Medical Center - Organ Transplant Care in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 20, 2024
