Stephen Jones

Jon Stephen Jones, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and member of the legal community, passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born April 15, 1937, to John and Virgina (Shreve) Jones in Topeka, Kansas.

He and his wife Kay worked and raised their 3 children in Lyndon, KS. Stephen and Kay were former members of the Lyndon United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School classes and enjoyed helping with youth group activities. 

Stephen received his bachelor’s degree at Duke University before earning his Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law. He became an associate at the Harry T. Coffman law firm in Lyndon, Kansas, and took over duties of being Osage County Attorney. Stephen dedicated over 40 years of his life to practicing law, then served as a Magistrate Judge for the 4th Judicial District of Kansas for a decade. He was a member of the Kansas BAR Association for 60 years. 

Stephen nurtured a wealth of interests and hobbies. He was an astronomy enthusiast who loved his backyard observatory and sharing the night sky with his kids and anyone who was interested. He also loved trains and built an N-Scale train set that he taught his children and grandchildren to run. Photography was a cherished pastime as he captured countless moments and memories through his lens. He always had a book in hand, and enjoyed a wide range of topics from military history to science fiction. Stephen began jogging in 1980 and loved to compete in 5K and 10K races with his daughter and good friends. Finally, he was a devoted fan of Duke Basketball and he enthusiastically supported them by wearing all the gear and recording their games. 

To his family, Stephen was affectionately known as "Poppy." He cherished his role as a grandfather, creating lasting memories with his grandchildren—Garyn Kickhaefer, Levi Kickhaefer, Avery Carr, and Jericho Carr. The grandchildren loved spending time with him because he always had time to run trains, play with bunny houses, and go outside to play with them. His love for them was evident in every moment they shared, and his legacy will endure through their lives.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Kay, and his children, Glynis (Scott) Kickhaefer, Amy (Jeff) Carr, and Tom (Jenny) Jones. He will also be missed by his brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Jones; mother, Virginia Jones; and brother, Kevin Jones.

A memorial service to honor Stephen's life will be held on February 15, 2025, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka, Kansas. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, providing friends and family an opportunity to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund.