Howard E. Stephens, 97, passed away June 9, 2025, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born January 15, 1928, in Avant, Oklahoma, the son of Albert D. and Lucy Sweptson Stephens. Mr. Stephens served with 1st  Calvary during the Japanese occupation with the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion, he also was a boxer in the army and in the Golden Gloves when he go out. Howard also enjoyed crosswords, puzzles and solitaire. He was a professional truck driver. Howard also enjoyed riding motorcycles and motorcross sports with his son Curtis. On January 27, 1948, he married Cleo Nichols of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She passed away February 5, 1977. Howard also retired from Stuckly Lumber Co. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Heller of Nickerson, Kansas, Rita Cumming of Hutchinson, Kansas: a son, Curtis Stephens of Pawcatuck, Connecticut and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 5 brothers and 2 sisters.