Leonard Melton Stephen

Leonard Melton Stephen, of Atwood, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at HaysMed Center, at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. He was born on August 26, 1947, to Lewis Harold and Glennys Faye (Reed) Stephen in Stockton.

Leonard lived on the Stephen farmstead along Bow Creek, 8 miles north and two miles west of Stockton, KS. He was the seventh sibling of eight born to this marriage. Leonard had a gentle voice and kind heart. He cherished his family, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Leonard attended schools in Stockton, Hoxie, Colby and Gem, KS. He graduated from Gem High School in 1966.

He enlisted in the US Army in November 1967. He served two tours of combat in Vietnam for 18 months. Then he went to Germany for 10 months. He was honorably discharged in November 1970. Medals Leonard was awarded: Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, EXP M-16 and MM M-14. Leonard was very proud to be a military veteran of the US Army. He was a lifelong member of VFW, Post 8873 and a member of the American Legion in Stockton.

He moved to Milford, New Hampshire in 1973. Leonard graduated from Electronics school in New Hampshire. He later worked for Raytheon for 17 years. Leonard moved back to Colby, KS in 1991. He worked at the Colby Grain Station and drove a semi delivery truck for Old Home Bakery. He then moved to Atwood in 2001, where he resided.

Leonard is survived by sister, Lana (Larry) Odle, of Stockton; brother-in-law, Don Alexander, of Carmichael, California; sister-in-law, Barbara Stephen, of Phillipsburg, KS; aunt, Arlene (Jorgenson) Wolfe, of Hays, Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by parents, Lewis Stephen and Glennys (Stephen) Collins; brothers, Lawrence, LeRoy, Lewis Stephen; sisters, Loretta Meyer, Lucille Brush, Lorene Alexander.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Stockton Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to VFW, Post 8873 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.