Byron "Lowell" Stevens...Age 71

Memorial Service 11 AM Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at Journey Church in Paola, Kansas with Military Honors.

Memorials are to Miami County Cancer Foundation and may be sent c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, Kansas 66064
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Byron Lowell Stevens age 71 of Paola, KS died February 23, 2017 at his home.

Lowell was born January 4, 1946 in Clarinda, IA. He was the third of four children born to Byron Ward and Eva Mae (Hullinger) Stevens. He grew up in Clarinda and attended school in the Clarinda school district.

After graduation, Lowell enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a heavy equipment mechanic while in the service. In September of 1968 he was honorably discharged and moved back to Clarinda.  He worked various jobs and helped his mom take care of his grandmother. He married and had a daughter who passed away at four months. The marriage later ended in divorce.

He worked for the Wilson’s Food Company in Clarinda. In July 1978, Lowell’s aunt and Uncle introduced him to Linda Ross. They hit is off and married on August 26, 1978 in Clarinda, IA. They lived there until January of 1980 when the couple moved to Osawatomie, KS. Together the couple had one daughter Stacie. Lowell became the Vice-President of Ralph Ross Construction Company. After 12 years, Lowell decided to start his own business called Stevens Construction. As owner and operator, Lowell drove a dump truck and ran a backhoe. He did contracted work for other construction companies and the railroad.

When he had free time, Lowell loved to use his construction experience to help others. He helped his church, Journey church formally known as Pearl Street Baptist in Paola, to remodel their sanctuary.  Lowell loved being outside. He spent time in his shop, target shooting and working with his cattle. He loved to watch football, NASCAR and western movies. His favorite thing and the reason he continued to work until he was 70 years old was driving his dump truck.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gary Stevens and infant daughter Sandra K. Stevens.

Survivors include wife of 38 years Linda of the home, Daughter Stacie Stevens of Lawrence, KS, two brothers Robert (Jean) Stevens of Clarinda, IA and Dwayne (Linda) Stevens of New Market, IA. Neighbors Eric and Nathan Gallagher were like grandsons to Lowell. Along with other family and friends.