STEPHENS, Harry L. - b. July 14, 1942 - d. August 29, 2020

[patyrn]

Harry L. Stephens, age 78, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away on August 29, 2020 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.  He was born on July 14, 1942 in Winfield, Kansas to John James and Nina E. (Powers) Stephens.

Harry grew up on a farm near Moline, Kansas and graduated from Moline High School in 1960. He attended Kansas State Teachers College, subsequently earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees.  He and his future wife, Sharon, met there in a genetics class.  He was a leader in his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, and was named to Blue Key.  In 1963, he spent six months in Iran as an IFYE exchange student, living in rural villages throughout the country, sharing in his hosts' work and culture, and connecting using rudimentary Farsi language.  Harry married Sharon Sue Helmer on May 29, 1966 in Augusta, Kansas.

Upon graduating from KSTC, Harry began his career in student services at the college which later became Emporia State University.  He served for 38 years, interrupted only by his studies at the University of Northern Colorado where he earned his Ph. D.  in 1975.  Harry held many different administrative positions, served on numerous campus committees and councils, and participated in professional organizations.  Most importantly, his focus was always working with the students.  From 1976 to 1980, he was the Kansas delegate to the Higher Education Commission of the States.

In 1987, Harry was named Vice-President for Student Affairs at ESU.  Through his career, he was a passionate advocate for racial and gender diversity, equality, and inclusion.  He was beloved by his colleagues and students, especially the men of Sigma Tau Gamma for whom he served as an alumni advisor for decades, known to those men simply as "Doc".  Harry retired from ESU in 2004 but continued to serve the university as a Foundation Trustee.  After retiring, he retired to farming and ranching with his brother, Don.

In 2015, Harry received the Service Citation from ESU and the President's Medallion for the Common Good for his contributions to ESU and the community.  These two honors reflect the principles that guided his life.

Harry was dedicated to community service.  He participated in 4-H in his youth and supported his children in their 4-H activities.  He served as a leader in many community organizations including the Emporia Human Relations Commission and the Humane Society of the Flint Hills.  As treasurer of the Board of Directors, he was  instrumental in the renovation of the historic Granada Theater in downtown Emporia.,  Most recently, he worked actively with the Kansas Children's Service League, Hetlinger Developmental Services, and the Friends of the Flint Hills Community Health Center.  He was a lifelong Democrat, particularly active in local and state politics, and was honored to represent Emporia as a Kansas State Senator from 1999 to 2000.  He was a member of  Messiah Lutheran Church.

Harry was a dedicated family man.  He was a wonderful husband who encouraged Sharon in her goals as a teacher.  She credits him for making their wonderful life together possible.  He taught his children the importance of hard work and education and supported all of the extracurricular activities.  He was the primary driver for family vacations which took them to almost every part of the United States.  In retirement, he and Sharon enjoyed travel to Europe with friends, delighting equally in beautiful scenery and minor fiascos.  He also enjoyed visiting his young grandsons, sharing with them his loved of homemade ice cream. 

Harry was a man of quiet, deep faith who expressed that faith through his love and dedication to helping others.  His faith is best encapsulated in the words from his favorite sermon from John Donne:  No man is an island entire of itself.  Every man is a piece of the continent; a part of the main.

Harry is survived by his wife, Sharon Stephens of Emporia, Kansas; his son, James (Elizabeth) Stephens of Prairie Village, Kansas; his daughter, Rachel (James Stutsman) Stephens of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Matthew Stephens and Kyle Stutsman; and his brothers, twin Larry Stephens of Winfield, Kansas and Don Stephens of Severy, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Stephens. 

A private graveside service will be held at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following and may be sent in care of the funeral home:  Harry L. and Sharon Sue Stephens Educational Fund/ESU Foundation, the Kansas Children's Service League, or Hetlinger Developmental Services.  Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia Kansas 66801 is handling arrangements.

(taken from the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home website)