Obituary: Kenneth Eugene Stephens
Kenneth Eugene Stephens was born to Eileen Pritchett Mason and Donald Stephens on March 5,1952, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. He peacefully passed away December 24, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family and friends.
When Ken was young, he and his family, along with younger sister Kathy, moved to Longmont, Colorado. In his early teens he had a variety of jobs including shining shoes at the local barbershop, sacking groceries at Ideal grocery store and pumping lots of gas at the local Fina gas station. He graduated from Longmont High in 1971. After graduation he worked multiple jobs so he could purchase his fast blue Barracuda car. Of course, he customized it to the hilt and drag raced it legally and mostly illegally.
In 1972 he left Colorado for Iowa to live the summer with his Aunt and Uncle Marilyn and Theron Johnson. It was that summer while “scooping the loop” on the Mount Ayr Square, with his cousin Rick Mackey, where he met his future wife, Cindy Poore. The Lenox Rodeo was the destination for their 1st date. A bond had been formed. They were married at the Beaconsfield Methodist Church on August 17, 1973, and their love continued for 52 years.
To this union were born two beautiful daughters, Josie Jean on Oct. 1, 1977, and Aimie Ann on July 25, 1979. The girls don’t really look alike, but one acts just like him and one looks just like him. Both with hearts of gold just like him.
Ken had a variety of jobs after moving to Ringgold County. He first worked for the Ringgold County Road Crew during the day and at the Phillips 66 gas station for Buddy Cole at night. After about a year at the County, he went to work for Roe Implement as a mechanic. After he left Roe Implement, he worked for Merton Knapp hauling liquid fertilizer, and this started his trucking career.
He bought his first truck, a Kenworth, and leased to the Mikow Company hauling steel and other various freight. He modified that truck from a single sleeper to a double walk-in sleeper, and we all thought it was great. After several years of driving the Kenworth, he bought a dually pickup and started a “hot shot” business hauling DuzMor car frame repair machines. He not only transported them to businesses but sometimes had to repo them. He then traded up to a gray Volvo White semi and leased to Kemin Industries in Des Moines hauling FloraGlo and Propionic acid, which were liquid chemicals used as a mold inhibiter for chicken feed. When his trucking job with Kemin was discontinued, he parked the semi and started his own business Stephens Tire & Oil in 2003. It was here that he thrived, nourishing old friendships and making new ones.
He had a prosperous business treating all his customers with fairness and kindness. His customers loved and respected him for his knowledge of repair work. He was called “Mr. Fix it”. He was one of few who could fix the unfixable; he was not fond of our throw away society. His latest was collecting broken weed eaters from the city’s throwaway pile and fixing them. They line the only wall that was available in his garage. He was also known as an “organized hoarder”.
His love for his family was unconditional, especially his 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who will miss Papa Kenny. He always greeted them with a sucker in his pocket.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Cindy of 52 years, daughters Josie Jean (Wyatt) Mobley of Diagonal, Iowa and Aimie Ann (Robby) Larson of Clearfield, Iowa. Grandchildren Cole Mobley (Natalie), Kerrigan Mobley, Cody (Ryleigh) Larson, Tucker Larson, Tate Larson. Great Grandchildren Luke Mobley and Ella Larson. Sister Kathy Poore, Sisters-In-Law Ruth Gregg, Donna Warin, Pam Poore, and Kitty Poore. Brothers–in-law Steve Poore, Doug Poore, Clint Poore and Joe Warin. Many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and a long list of friends. He was loved by friends and family more than anyone could ever imagine.
To sum up the life of Kenny Stephens he was a special man who never asked for anything but gave everything to anyone.
Visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with services held at the funeral home on 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026. Pallbearers are Cole Mobley, Kerrigan Mobley, Cody Larson, Tucker Larson, Tate Larson, Luke Mobley, Ella Larson. Honorary Pallbearers are Scott Poore, Krisy Poore, Steve Poore, Doug Poore, Clint Poore, Joe Warin, Rick Mackey, Quincy Main, Malcom Eighmy, Randy Taylor. Private burial will occur at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. A memorial fund has been established to the American Legion to help maintain the avenue of flags in Rose Hill Cemetery. Casual dress is encouraged at the visitation and services.
