Max Edward Stephenson

Max Edward Stephenson, age 86, of Sunrise Beach, Mo., passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at his home. He was born June 14, 1922, in Oregon, Mo., the son of the late Lonnie and Aggie Kreek Stephenson. On Oct. 9, 1942, in Hiawatha, Kan., he was united in marriage to Ruth Ford, who preceded him in death on June 11, 2008. Max was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. After his honorable discharge from the service, he attended the University of Kansas. He worked as a manufacturers sales representative for a fishing and tackle company for several years. In 1979, he and Ruth purchased Eagan's Twin Coves in Sunrise Beach and owned and operated it until the early 90's. He enjoyed the fishing club in Sunrise Beach, and was a member of the American Legion Zack Wheat Post #624 in Sunrise Beach, the Osage Community Elks Lodge #2705 in Laurie, and the 533 Crime Watch. He was also a member of the Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie. He is survived by two sons, Ed Stephenson and wife Melinda and Scott Stephenson and wife Pam both of Leawood, Kan.; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Ted E. Stephenson on June 5, 2006. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel with Reverend Rick White officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Garber Memorial Estates Cemetery in Laurie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the S.T.A.F.F. Animal Shelter in Laurie. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kidwell- Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.