William "Bill" Stephenson

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On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 our loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and great friend, William "Bill" Stephenson, passed away at the age of 71. He was blessed to be born to the ultimate power couple, M.L. "Bob" Stephenson and Joyce Eileen (Walker) Stephenson on April 29, 1951 in Mexico.

If you're from Mexico, MO you probably know Bill, either from his multiple business ventures throughout the years: such as owner/operator of the Hoxsey Hotel, Stephenson Electric, or his waterbed store in the 80's. If he wasn't selling something, he was fixing something. He also ran the Villa Inn for a few years and worked for his parents at Stephenson's Best Western. If you didn't know him from any of those places, you may have met him at your local watering hole, he frequented them all. He was quite the social butterfly and ladies' man. This man never met a stranger, and always had the gift of gab. 

He had one basic philosophy regarding life, "as long as you have your health, you're rich." 

He is survived by his proudest accomplishments, son William "Mac" Stephenson (Mindy) and daughter Miranda "Cake" Stephenson. Additionally, he is survived by the best grandkids he could ever ask for, Tiana Stephenson, Samantha Moss, and Pryce Houston. Along with three great grandchildren AKA his "shorties," Landon Hannibal, Olivia Houston, and Octavian Houston. Surviving siblings include his sister Joy Janis (David) Lindsborg, Kan., who lovingly helped him during the worst of times, more than she'll ever know; his younger siblings who loved him very much, sister Tracy Wilmshorst (David) Kansas City; Mark Stephenson (Holly) St. Louis; and Brian Stephenson (Shawna) Mexico; along with a host of loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his big brother Robert "Bobby" Stephenson. 

His kids and grandkids will miss and honor him endlessly-as he played a significant role in their daily lives whether it was teaching them how to cook, how to fix something, giving them words of encouragement, or just simply telling them he loved them, how much he loved them, and how proud he was of them. He will also be graciously and lovingly roasted, this is Bill Stephenson, the man who would thaw out ribs in his hot tub before throwing them on a grill, eat a ball of raw hamburger when cooking, giving his loved ones 101 different nicknames or one special nickname, or for infamously getting his kids or grandkids to watch a movie with him only to fall fast asleep in his favorite recliner within 5 minutes of the movie starting. Bill always lived his life to the fullest, he was kind and enjoyed helping others. He loved hard and lived with no regrets.

The last thing Bill wanted to do was leave his children and grandchildren, they were his pride and joy. He definitely didn't leave without a fight! He was so sad it was his time to go. The morning he passed, it rained so hard, almost as though it was his tears falling from heaven giving them a final goodbye.

He was loved by so many. His smile, laugh, and big heart will forever be missed.

Following his wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to tip a glass of crown and coke in his honor and share a loving or fun memory of him. Since he was always one to tell jokes or a good story, it would be quite appropriate. 

 


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