John William “Bill” Stevens passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. He died peacefully at home with his beloved wife nearby.
Plans for a memorial service are underway.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis; two sons, Matthew and Hampton; two grandchildren, Ana and Harry; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mark Aaron and Miriam Zimet-Aaron.
Bill was born to Clare and Oscar Hampton Stevens in 1932 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City. He graduated from Southeast High School and then attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. He entered the draft for the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. After returning to the states, Bill completed his education at what was then Kansas City University and today is UMKC. He then embarked on a 40-year career as a real estate broker, investor and entrepreneur.
Bill loved cars, and was an accomplished amateur racecar driver. He was also a fine comic actor, performing in productions around Kansas City. He loved the Chiefs and Royals, and stuck with his favorite teams through good times and bad.
Bill was wise about the ways of the world, with a pragmatic insight into people’s behavior. He was very handsome, charismatic and charming with a commanding presence that drew people to him. Most of all, he was hilarious. Bill always had a gleam in his eye. He truly loved nothing more in life than to make others laugh. Everyone who knew him remembers his extraordinary wit and sense of humor. He was especially playful around children, entertaining them for hours with games and wordplay. Bill never lost that sense of playfulness, even at the end.
Donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.
Final arrangements have been entrusted with The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211. Memories of Bill and condolences to the family may be shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com.