Warren Stephens

Warren Douglas Stephens, a resident of Polo, MO, age 84, was taken home to be with the Lord Saturday, August 26th, 2023. Warren was born on the family farm north of Cowgill, MO, October 27, 1938. Warren grew up on the farm near Cowgill and was actively involved with his family in the farming operations before college.

At 7 years of age Warren prayed to trust Christ as his Savior and was baptized Easter Sunday 1945 at First Baptist Church Cowgill.

Warren was a graduate of Cowgill School, Polo High School, and attended Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, and Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg. He married Nancy Ainsworth on November 1st, 1959, and went into a farming partnership in the Cowgill area with his dad. Two children were born during this time. A daughter Valerie, and son John Wayne.

Agriculture and farming were an obsession for Warren, until he answered God's call to enter the ministry. That resulted in moving to Texas in 1974, graduating from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dallas Baptist University & then graduating from SWBTS with two graduate degrees and pastoring churches in Perrin, Texas (12 years) and Kihei, Maui, Hawaii (4 years).

After returning to Missouri Warren and Barbara Curp were united in marriage June 30, 1995. Warren often remarked how the Lord had worked in their lives carrying both of them through painful trials to bring them together with a loving caring family.

Warren served as pulpit supply in area churches until called in 1996 as pastor in Chillicothe, then Breckenridge in 2002 until November 2008 leaving the pastorate to serve in the church at Polo. Warren & Barbara have continued to be actively involved in Kingdom work to this time living on the family farm near Polo. He served various responsibilities in FBC Polo & Lighthouse Baptist Association.

Warren is survived by his loving wife Barbara, daughter, Valerie Light (Doyle), son, Wayne Stephens (Kelly), stepdaughter, Karen Shonk (Curt), stepson, Mark Curp (Teri), stepdaughter, Sheryl Franke (Brian), stepdaughter, Darla Moberly (Mark), stepson, Brian Curp (Natalie), sister, Sharon Griffey (Jim), brother, Philip Stephens (Mary Ann), brother, Alan Stephens (Lyndie), grandchildren, Vanessa Bailey, Taylor Stephens, Addison Stephens, Destiny Stephens, step grandchildren, Craig Shonk, Jonathan Curp, Whitney Webb, Kalee Shonk, Michael Franke, Dalton Moberly, Dillon Moberly, Morgan Flaxbeard, Caden Shonk, Marissa Klenda, Adam Curp, Keenan Curp, Ellie Curp, Asher Curp, Dathan Curp, Micah Curp, 6 great-grandchildren, 16  step great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, JD and Donna Mae Stephens, father and mother-in-law, JT Shelton and Frieda Shelton, stepson, Brad Curp and sister and brother-in-law, Beverly Curp and Bill Curp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home or the SBC International Mission Board in care of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Polo. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call from Noon to 7 PM, Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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