A Memorial Service for Craig A. Stephens will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church with Pastors Kevin Lund and Murray Jones, officiating. A private inurnment will be held at the Highland Cemetery, Bertrand, Nebraska.
Craig Alan Stephens, 74, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Craig was born on November 8, 1949, in Kearney, Nebraska, the youngest of three children born to Robert J. and Loraine F. (Glaser) Stephens. He attended District #94 Country school in Buffalo County, Nebraska, NW of Elm Creek, Nebraska. Craig attended and graduated from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1967.
Following his education, Craig worked with his brother and they operated a service station in Seward, Nebraska. He also worked as a FritoLay man for a few years.
On January 17, 1970, Craig was united in marriage to Vicky Reddick in Kearney. The couple were blessed with three sons: Craig, William, and Jason. The family made their home in Bertrand, where Craig attained an insurance license. He owned and operated, Stephens & Associates, in Bertrand for 35 years. In 2013, Vicky preceded him in death.
On November 8, 2019, Craig found love a second time and was united in marriage to Evelyn L. (Martin) Denton. Together the couple enjoyed camping, fishing, Elvis Shows, cruises, bus tours, and most importantly, grandchildren and (getting in trouble together).
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and demolition derby, and the love of his family.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gary Stephens; and his first wife, Vicky Stephens.
Craig leaves to celebrate his life: his wife, Evelyn Stephens of Holdrege; his sons: Craig S. Stephens and his wife, Marcy of Pleasanton, Nebraska; William A. Stephens and his wife, Kristi of Doniphan, Nebraska; and Jason P. Stephens of Clay Center, Nebraska; eight grandchildren: Taylor Rae, Cassandra Donn, Terry Lamont, Brandon Michael, Brooke Ashley, Joshua Robert, Aaron Michael, and Andrew Paul; his sister, Arlys Lange of Overland Park, Kansas; great-granddaughter: Victoria; Evelyn’s sons: John Denton and his wife, Dina of Whitman, Nebraska; and Marty Denton and his wife, Tonya of North Platte, Nebraska; two grandsons: Stephen Denton of North Platte; and Allen Denton and wife, Brook of Valley, Nebraska; one granddaughter, Bryan Bosch and husband, Cole, and great-grandson, James of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with many extended family members and friends.
A memorial book signing will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for future designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.