Charles E. Stephens

Charlie Stephens, 66, Independence, Missouri, passed away March 7, 2014. Mr. Stephens was born January 18, 1948 in Kansas City Missouri. Charlie graduated from North East High School in Kansas City, and was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. He honorably served his country in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Army. He enjoyed fishing, gambling, barbeque’s with friends and family, his dog, Jake, eating, and simply, enjoying his time with friends and family, often, having conversations that never grew tiresome. He retired from EcoLab after 39 years of employment, in his retirement he worked part-time for Westlake Ace Hardware in Blue Springs, and continued to enjoy all his friends, hobbies, interests and family.  He was known to have a 1 beer, with lime, limit on his nights out. Charlie was lovingly known to his 8 grandchildren as, Papa Charlie.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Stephens.  He is survived by his loving wife, Kerri, his kids: Bryan Stephens, Cory Baird, Jennifer Bathgate, Michael Stephens, and Troy Roark, 8 grandchildren, and a brother, Carl Stephens. “He was the guy that always waved, the guy that was always willing to loan you a tool or a story!” He will be missed. Celebration services are pending at this time.

Condolences

  1. Kerry and Linda Bathgate on March 12, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Our prayers for you and your family.



  2. Adam Jennifer and Serenity Bathgate on March 12, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I am saddened that their are so many people in this world , that never got to meet such a wonderful man. He could change your whole day for the better if he felt you needed it . Charlie believed in being free, and fighting for it. There are not enough prayers in the world that can change what happened. But all of mine are going out to all the lives that this man has touched throughout his short period with us . Charlie Stephens will never be forgotten. Me and my family will continue to stories to his grandchildren and his friends for the rest of our lives. Hopefully there are a lot of fish up there , and he is having the time of his life! For those of you that knew Charlie , Enjoy and cherish those last memories that you have because they will live forever. And god bless him for taking the time to always stop and talk to anyone he felt needed a story
    Chucker even though your gone, you will never be forgotten. We love you with all our hearts. From Adam, Jennifer, Serenity, and the entire Bathgate Family, Keep smiling and waving Charlie that’s what you do best !



  3. Stephanie Meierarend on March 12, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    Sandy, Mike, Tami, Bryan, Dawn, Carl,Trever, Aerian, & Cody Stephens, I’m so sorry for your loss. We love you. I hope the killer is brought to justice, and suffers a very long life in prison. To this individual, you will be caught.



  4. Don & Pat Bathgate on March 12, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    So sorry Charlie!!!! This world will miss you!! Family adored you and are suffering as well as friends!! Will miss you at the get-to-gathers!!



  5. Mary Alverson on March 12, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    Jennifer, I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your Mom get through this. Prayers to you, lovey.



  6. Robert W. Cross Jr. on March 12, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    Carl,Sandy, Mike, Bryan, Tami, Dawn, and every beautiful grandchild of Charlie’s. I am so very sorry and very blessed you shared this Hero with me.
    Charlie Stephens was more then just my friend He was a father to me. I met Charlie my junior year of high School. From that day forward he was like my second father. Over the years I spent endless hours with him in my boat or me in his boat fishing for catfish, crappie, and spoonbill.
    I grew very close to Charlie I shared many memories with this fine man and also shared our deepest thoughts on life. I also shared lots of first with this man. The first time I shaved my head on a silly bet. From that day forward I have never paid for a hair cut again. I got to share my family fishing hole and secrets with him. My first time in a Indian casino. But the best thing I ever shared with him was my life and time and two sons I call brothers Mike Stephens and Bryan Stephens. Charlie was a hero in my eyes and in some strange way I feel he felt the same about me. He never left without saying I love you Sponge Bob, Jerky, Catfish Bob, Crappie Bob, and my all time favorite I love you like my own Son.
    Charlie I want you to know I will miss you and never ever forget our short time together.
    I wont ever get in a boat or cast a line without a memories of you. I Love you and will miss you Jerky!!!



  7. Margaret Cross on March 12, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Charlie will be missed very much by family and friends. I never really got to know him that well, but, my son, Bobby always adored this man. I am sorry that I never got to be around him much and his death is a tragic loss to everyone involved. Who ever took his life, I hope you will be found and get what you deserve. God Bless you Charlie Stephens…



  8. Pam Kenagy on March 12, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    To all..my heart is so saddened by Charlie’s passing. I know now why God had me see him just a couple weeks ago after 10 long years. To remember what a special person he was and how lucky I was to say I knew him.
    A great dad, papa, friend and so blessed to have known him.
    Hug to all.



  9. Jeni Hutsell on March 12, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    So many memories…I could write a book. I was blessed to have met Charlie when I was 16 years old and 2 years later, blessed once again, to have him as my father-in-law. My parents instantly become close friends with Charlie and Sandy…and were soon referred to as “The Nerd Herd” : )
    Charlie had a way of taking the lead, capturing your attention, and captivating you with his stories. His smile was infectious; his laugh, hearty; and a personality that was nothing short of charismatic.

    His love for Mike and Bryan was obvious…but when he was blessed with the birth of his first 2 grandchildren (Trever & Aerian), and became “Papa Charlie”, his level of love and dedication to his family reached a new level. I will never forget how his face lit up when he walked into a room and was greeted by those babies…
    My prayers are constant…my faith is strong…We were blessed to have had Charlie in our lives…until we meet again…
    I love ya Tuna Man!

    I love you Tuna Man…



  10. Tim Olson on March 13, 2014 at 3:27 am

    Charlie was an awesome man, friend and boss. I learned so much from Charlie. He was so much fun and was always upbeat, fun, and personable. He gave me the tools to start my own successful pest control business. I owe so much to Charlie. He was such an inspiration to my brother Jeff Olson and I. He was the best! Please let us know if you need anything. So many great memories of Charlie with my brother and I.



  11. Debbie McCoy on March 13, 2014 at 11:06 am

    When I saw this on the news I prayed it wasn’t the Charlie I knew. We had worked together when we were both at Lystad’s, right before being bought out by Ecolab. He was by far one of my favorite bosses. Charlie was a kind and loving soul and I am sickened that someone would do this to such a wonderful person. Carl, I am so sorry for your loss. Michael and Brian my heart breaks for you as well. He will be missed by many.



  12. Jan and Ed Jorgensen on March 13, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    Ed and I thought the world of Charlie. We will always cherish the nights at Harrah’s in the GM and D club as well as the trips we took together to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Laughlin. It had been about 3 years since we had seen Kerri and Charlie and feel very blessed to have run into them even though it was only for a minute or two last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with all that loved Charlie!



  13. Ruth on March 14, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    Charlie you will be missed greatly. You were a wonderful man and did not deserve what happened to you in your final years of life. To the evil coward who killed Charlie, you will be caught.



  14. Donna Bennett on March 15, 2014 at 7:06 am

    Im very sad this had happen to such a good man. To his children and grandchildren, brother, Im so sorry for you’re loss I knew Charlie from the Star Club. We all miss HIM. There are alot of people from the club that miss him and send they’re condolence’s. All our prayers are out to his children and they’re family’s and his brother. We KNOW THAT THE PERSON THAT DONE THIS IS GOING TO BE CAUGHT AND END UP RIGHT WHERE SHE/HE BELONG. IN HELL. God bless you and know We are thinking of you.



  15. Tracey (Loomer) Hendren on March 15, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    Sandy, Mike and Bryan.

    I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie! I remember when I was a kid and we came to your house and we had alot of fun! Times have changed but family stays the same! Hope to see you all sometime soon! If you ever need anything give us a call! Love you all!



  16. Kaylee Isaac and Stephon Lewis on March 29, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    Papa Charlie was a wonderful man and we shared many wonderful memories from getting a special coloring book every time I came to grannys to him being at my birthday parties even to getting a new back pack every year at christmas time then during the summer he loved taking all of us out on the boat Ill never forget all the wonderful memories he has given me through my childhood and im very saddened my son will never get to meet papa charlie and the wonderful man that he is.He will forever be in our thoughts and prayers



  17. Misty and Dustin Carter on March 29, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Im so lucky to have had the privilege to have known charlie. Charlie taught me so many things about how to handle life. you could always go to him with any problem and he was always so calm with his answers. but if you listen to him it would always work. he taught me how to handle so much. I love you chuck!



  18. Pierre, Tifany & Cole Doenges on March 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Charlie was a very sweet man who always had a smile and something funny to say. We will miss seeing him at Jennifer & Adam’s annual gatherings.



  19. Doug Sieverrs Pierre, Tifany & Cole Doenges on March 29, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    So sad to see my good friend leave us. He was a good person. He cared about people and was always there to help if he could. I’m sure going to miss him. Rest in Peace Charlie.



  20. Lavon & Sandy on March 29, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Charlie Words can say pictures can show how awesome. Charlie stood out on earth full of kindness and how very caring man. Enjoy HEAVEN we will see you again someday. Watch over us til.l we get to heaven.””



  21. Scott Baird on March 29, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    So sorry, you will be missed. No words can express our heartfelt loss. Such a outgoing and friendly guy. Keeping your family in our prayers.



  22. Unknown on February 27, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    RIP Charlie. Just watched an episode of deadly women. So sorry that this happened to someone as loving and trusting and caring as charlie



  23. Steven R J on July 16, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    Just watched the episode of deadly women. I feel so bad this happened, especially to a Vietnam veteran. A gambling addiction is a very serious issue and a problem I also have, so I had to quit completely and this episode shows me I made the right decision. God bless and see you in Heaven my fellow veteran.



  24. Darriene Freeman on August 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    My heartfelt prayers go out to all the family and friends who loved, respected and admired this obviously wonderful man. I just saw the tv program that showed his death and I was horrified. I was moved emotionally to google him and send all of you my condolences. Truly wonderful people, like Charlie, should be cherished and live very long, full lives, not have it cut short by a deadly, greedy sociopath like the woman who took his life. I am SO sorry to hear of your loss, truly.



  25. Ashley Garza on June 25, 2021 at 2:41 am

    I am so sorry to the family for their loss. I just watched the Deadly Women episode on Investigation Discovery about this. I can’t help but feel sick on how this women could do such a thing. Especially to someone who once fighted in our country. This comes to show how serious gambling addiction is. If you or anyone that you know is suffering from this, please stop what you are doing and get help because it’s gonna hurt you, your family and to the other people you know around you.



  26. Richard on August 22, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Charlie. Deserved. Much. More. But was. Taken. By. A. Less. Deserving. Wife. Miss. You. CHARLIE !!!



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