SALINA — Timothy Edward Stephenson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2024, in Salina, Kan. He was born on Aug. 24, 1956, in Great Bend, Kan., to Lewis and Clarabelle Stephenson.
Tim was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lee; his father, Lewis Stephenson; his brother, Thomas Stephenson. He is survived by his wife, Nathalea Stephenson; his children, Brandon Stephenson, and Kendra (Tim) Cox; his grandchildren, Cameron, Mason, Quinton, Brooklyn, and Ella; his mother, Clarabelle Stephenson; and his brothers, Taber (Penny) Stephenson, Tedd (Carrie) Stephenson, Todd (Teri) Stephenson, and Tyler (Kenna) Stephenson, and many nieces and nephews.
Tim and Nathalea (Kaufman) were united in marriage on June 12th, 1982, at Central Baptist Church in Great Bend, Kan., and celebrated 41 years of marriage. Tim pursued his education at Barton County Community College, Great Bend, Kan. and Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan. where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Barton County Community College and obtained degrees in Parks & Recreation, and Education from Bethany College. Tim was also endorsed in Driver’s Education.
Throughout his career, Tim held various positions, including Youth & Adult Sports Director at Great Bend Recreation Center, Great Bend, Kan.; Assistant Basketball and Baseball Coach at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.; and Teacher at Ell-Salina High School, Brookville, Kan.; Assistant Football Coach at Lakewood Middle School, Salina, Kan.; Smokey Hill Education Center, Salina, Kan.; and St. Francis, Salina, Kan. Tim owned and instructed at Horizon’s Driving Academy in Salina, Kan.
Tim’s passion for helping the youth in his community extended outside the classroom. He volunteered extensively at his church, First Southern Baptist Church, and was renowned in his community for his selflessness and unwavering dedication to helping others while building and nurturing friendships with everyone he crossed paths with.
In his leisure time, Tim enjoyed playing golf and actively participated in church activities. He found immense joy in supporting his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. Tim truly cherished the moments spent with his beloved wife, Nathalea, whether it was in their backyard talking and eating dinner together or on adventures across the country visiting their children and grandchildren.
Timothy Edward Stephenson will be remembered as a fun-loving, compassionate individual who lived his life in service to others. His infectious joy, genuine kindness, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
A visitation will be held Sunday, May 19th at Ryan Funeral Home, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kan.from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S. Ohio, Salina, Kan., on Monday, May 20th at 10 a.m. with a lunch reception immediately following. Graveside service will be held at Wilson Cemetery, Wilson, Kan., following the lunch reception, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory and legacy of love and service. Contributions can be made to the FSBC Youth Camps Memorial Fund. It was important to Tim that all children would have the opportunity to attend his church’s youth camps, experiencing God’s love. We deeply appreciate the kindness, love, and support from our family, friends, and community in this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Ryan Mortuary & Crematory
137 N 8th St,
Salina, KS 67401
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 18, 2024
