Obituary of Larry Jefferson Stephens

Larry Jefferson Stephens, age 82, of Union, KY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, KY.  He was a retired Sales Representative for Boone Kenton Lumber, where he worked for 42 years.  Larry was a life-long resident of Boone County and grew up attending Big Bone Baptist Church in Union, KY and later transferred his membership to Florence Methodist Church in Florence, KY, where he served as an usher for many years. 

He had a passion for cars, building, racing and restoring them.  Initially, Larry built dirt track race cars for others until he decided it might be more fun to drive them.  He built and raced until 1972 when he won the Championship at the Northern Kentucky Speedway and decided to go out as a champion!  Afterwards, he started restoring old cars, winning a National Antique Auto Award with a 1956 Ford, and moving on to restore a number of cars and trucks and building and restoring cars for his kids to drive.  As a result of his restorations and taking the cars and trucks to cruise-ins, Larry developed many lasting friendships over the years.  He and Sandy hosted front yard cruise-ins (including pot-lucks) on Labor Day for 16 years.  This tradition grew from 6 cars to over 40 cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, etc… 

Larry also participated in bowling leagues and coached girls’ softball teams over the years.  After his retirement, he and his wife, Sandy, liked to travel taking trips exploring the West, Alaska, and up and down the East Coast.  He also enjoyed hosting an annual Euchre Party on New Year’s Eve, meeting up with friends for a meal or just to talk, to have a friendly game night, or to go on an old car cruise anywhere.  LARRY NEVER MET A STRANGER.

Larry is survived by his loving wife (of 42 years), Sandra Brooks Stephens; children, Wayne Stephens (Tonya), Shana Lambert Stephens, and Jeremy (Brittany); step-children, Beth Lubbe (Craig) and Scott Noble (Kim); grandchildren, Katie, Abby, Taylor, Chase, Alex, Danielle, Kylee, Brody, Samantha, and Brooke; and great grandchildren, Laila and Arlo; brother, Tommy Stephens (Karen); sister-in-law, Ann Stephens; niece, Alaina Stokes (Zac); three great nephews; and one great niece.  Preceding Larry in death, were his parents, Lloyd and Aline Shields Stephens, brother, Rick Stephens, sister, Martha Faye Stephens, and nephew, Chris Stephens.

Visitation for Larry will be Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9 am to 11 am with his funeral service beginning at 11 am at Florence Methodist Church, 8585 Old Toll Rd., Florence, KY.  Memorials may be made to the church or the charity of one’s choice.  For directions, to view his life tribute video, or to leave the family a message of condolence, please go to www.chambersandgrubbs.com.