Cory Stephens

Cory Ray Stephens January 24, 1974 – April 20, 2025 Cory Ray Stephens, 51, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, went home to Heaven on the morning of April 20, 2025, surrounded by love at Dougherty Hospice House. Born in Britton, South Dakota, on January 24, 1974, Cory was a man whose strength was only rivaled by his heart. He spent his life working with his hands and leading with his faith. As co-owner of Franchise Concrete with his brother Coby, Cory built more than driveways and sidewalks-he built a life marked by grit, loyalty, and integrity. Cory was a proud husband to Kristina, a devoted father to Wyatt, Isabella, and Olivia, and a loving stepdad to Kassidy. He adored his wife and children and found deep joy in every moment spent with them. Whether cheering on Nebraska football, flipping ribeye on the grill, or laughing under the sun on the water-Cory's presence made every moment better. The gym was his second home-where he found strength, brotherhood, and his wife. He loved early mornings, country music, fresh air, and making people laugh. Cory didn't just show up-he showed up early, stayed late, and gave everything he had. But more than anything, Cory was on fire with faith in his Lord. He and Kristina were married in a chapel ceremony on December 6, 2023-one of the most God-filled, love-soaked days of their lives. In November, they were baptized by immersion at Central Church. Cory shared his testimony that night, speaking about his journey with Christ, the power of love, and the example he wanted to set for his children. Even as he battled Stage 4 cancer, Cory's spirit never wavered. His eyes stayed fixed on Jesus. In his final weeks, he shared his faith with other patients and healthcare workers-engaging in deep spiritual conversations, asking if he could pray with them, and telling them about the hope he had in Christ. He is survived by his wife, Kristina Stephens; his children, Wyatt, Isabella, and Olivia; his stepdaughter, Kassidy; and their mother, Emily Stephens. He leaves behind his parents, Dennis Stephens and Brenda Stephens (Bob Hyde); his beloved grandmother, Jean Ford; and his siblings, Kelli Stephens Ford (and her daughters, Emerie and Lilliana), and Coby Stephens (with his wife, Michelle, and their children, Gracey, Jersey, Gram, and Finley). First cousins, Matthew Newcomer and son Jax, Ashley Newcomer Moore (with her husband Tom, and their three children, Easton, Grayson, and Remi). He is also survived by his step-siblings, Brock Hyde and Tara Hyde-White and countless extended family and friends who loved him deeply. Cory was preceded in death by his grandparents Lillian and Charlie Stephens and James Raymond Gant, his beloved Aunt Judy Gant Newcomer, his Uncle Todd Gant; cousin, Kurt Winings; his Uncle Jerry Stephens; and his Aunt Judy Stephens-Lee. A celebration of Cory's life will be at Central Church on May 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a benefit account has been established for Cory's children-Wyatt, Isabella, and Olivia-at American Bank & Trust. Donations may be made at any branch location under the "Cory Stephens Memorial Fund Cory lived with boldness, loved without limits, and laughed from deep in his gut. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and resilience-and a reminder to all of us to rise early, love hard, lean in, and trust God, even in the impossible.