Michael Ray Stephens of Valley Center, Kansas was born Saturday, November 30, 1957 in Wichita, Kansas. He went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 13, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas.

Michael was a lifelong resident of Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from South High School in 1975. In his early years, Michael worked a variety of jobs before beginning what would become a long and fulfilling career in the cable industry. 

In January 1983, Michael began working for Cablevision. He spent 15 years as a cable technician before making the move into fiber optics, where he continued working until his passing. Michael loved what he did. He never complained and was always grateful for the work he was blessed to do. He was proud of his 43-year career and the people he worked alongside. 

In 1982, Michael met his forever love, Jo, and instantly fell in love. They were married on July 2, 1983, and shared 43 years of marriage together. Mike and Jo simply loved each other and enjoyed life side by side. Wherever life took Mike, Jo was right there with him, sharing in his adventures and hobbies.  

One of those adventures began when Michael joined the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). He spent 12 years involved in the biker community and served as president of two different chapters. When that chapter of their lives came to an end, Mike and Jo took a trip to Colorado, where they discovered Jeeps, and a whole new adventure began. 

Mike went into full Jeep mode. He bought a red Wrangler, lifted it, and for the next eight years, he and Jo took it to Colorado, climbing mountain trails and exploring places not seen by many people. They loved the adventure, the beauty, and the time they spent together. 

Their last great adventure became camping. After selling his Jeep, they bought a camper in 2016 and immediately began traveling to different campsites. Of course, Colorado remained one of their favorite destinations, but their favorite place to camp was Tuttle Creek Lake in Manhattan, Kansas.

Michael had many other interests and hobbies. He loved watching K-State and Chiefs football, and he could talk for hours about guns. He loved buying them, shooting them, and hunting. More than anything, though, he loved sharing the things he enjoyed with the people he loved. 

Michael and Jo were blessed with one daughter, Cassie, whom he adored. Mike and Cassie shared many quiet moments together, a love of swimming in the lake, watching football games and cheering on their favorite teams, and shooting guns together. Their relationship was one of the many great joys of his life. 

Michael loved hard and led his family well. He was a faithful member of LifePoint church since 1989, and was always a believer, but in 1991, he committed his life fully to the Lord. His faith became an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. 

Mike was quiet, gentle, and reserved. He gave the best hugs and had an infectious laugh and giggle that could light up a room. You always knew when Mike liked you. He had a way of making people feel loved without needing a lot of words.

No matter what life threw at him, Mike fought through it. He persevered, stayed strong, and kept going. Nothing could easily bring him down.  

Michael leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, perseverance, adventure, and family. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Michael is preceded in death by his father Charles Stephens and mother Faye McCreery. He is survived by his wife JoLynn, his daughter Cassie and his sister Nancy Lowe (Fred). 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and 3 grand nieces.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com