Kenneth C. 'Keno' Stephenson
Obituary for Kenneth C. (“Keno”) Stephenson | Ryan Mortuary
August 5, 1926 ~ August 8, 2021 (age 95)
Kenneth C. “Keno” Stephenson passed away peacefully with his family at his side on August 8, 2021. He was born on August 5, 1926 to John and Hannah Stephenson on the family farm near Downs, Kansas. After graduating from Downs High School and two years helping on the dairy farm, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea from Dec. 1946 to Jan. 1948.
After returning home, he married Geraldine Schoen and moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the University of Kansas where he received a B.A. degree in business.
In early 1953, he and his young family of three moved to Salina where he began working at Central Typewriter Company. He bought the company just 10 months later and over the years grew it into a prominent office equipment and supplies business, later known as Central Office Products. He innovated the leasing of business equipment, and in 1973 created Design Central, the office furniture and interior design aspect of the business.
Keno, as he was known to many, was very active in the Salina community as a member and leader in numerous organizations, including: Jaycees (President 1956), Salina’s Chamber of Commerce (President 1968), and the Salina Airport Authority (Board Chair 1988-90). He served on the Asbury Foundation Board of Trustees and later the Salina Regional Health Foundation (1995-2004) and was the first Chairman of its CHIP (Community Health Improvement Program) Committee; and Kansas Wesleyan University (Trustee 1985-91, Vice Chairman of the Board, and member of the Foundation Board). He also served First United Methodist Church as chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Pastor Relations Committee, and the FUMC Foundation and its Finance Committee, and relished the lasting friendships and devoted support of the Peacemakers and Gracefinders classes.
One of his self-appointed missions in life was ensuring the long-term financial health of community service organizations so, like Johnny Appleseed planting apple trees everywhere he went, Keno encouraged, helped establish, and nurtured financial foundations in many organizations in which he was involved.
Keno had an eager appetite for travel and enjoyed many trips nationally and abroad through business associations and with family, thriving in the adventure, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. His family has many special memories of those shared experiences. But it was at his “little place in the country” where he felt the most at home and enjoyed his gardens, fishing in his ponds, and heating his “cabin” with wood he cut, split and stacked. The family 4th of July weekends became their annual reunion, spending time working together on improvement projects, relaxing on the deck, and enjoying Keno’s popcorn and homegrown tomatoes. He was pleased and grateful for his family, Milt Allen (a longtime family friend) and others who lent a hand so that he could continue living at home in his later years, both in Salina and most recently in Scottsdale.
Keno worked with purpose, pursued his goals, built his businesses, created his bit of paradise in the country, and gave his time and wisdom to community and church. He also enjoyed life, fun and laughter with friends and family; communing with nature just watching his trees, ponds and wildlife; expanding cultural perspectives and seeking adventure through travel and reading; and coming home to the warmth of his fireplace next to his favorite chair.
He had a gift for drawing a person into conversation and was equally comfortable chatting with a lifelong friend or a newly met one. He loved to entertain, hosting parties large and small, and share his wit and humor. He was a mentor to many, modestly teaching by example. He lived a life of truth and integrity, patience, wisdom, grace, humor, humility, and great generosity – hallmark qualities that have guided his life, and inspired his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him.
Keno was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry; his mother and father; brother, Blaine Stephenson; and sister, Helen Stephenson. He will be greatly missed by his three children, Judy Hamilton (Bill Wiecek) of Syracuse, NY, and Davis, CA, Nancy Steele of Merriam, KS, and David Stephenson (Bonni) of Paradise Valley, AZ; his three grandchildren, Shawn Hamilton (Meridith) of Louisville KY, Carolyn Steele (David DeFrees) of Overland Park, KS, and Matt Steele of Merriam, KS; and three great-grandchildren, Nicholas Hamilton, Jillian Hamilton, and Penelope DeFrees – all of whom love him dearly.
Funeral arrangements by Ryan Mortuary. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21 at First United Methodist Church, 122 N. 8th St, Salina, KS, and will be livestreamed. In keeping with Keno’s wishes, and to protect family members who are not able to be vaccinated, the Stephenson family requests that all attendees wear masks and that vaccinated persons join them in person in the sanctuary, 2nd floor. Those not yet vaccinated are invited to share in the service by watching the livestream together in Fellowship Hall, 1st floor.
The family suggests memorial donations to foundations in Salina, such as the Greater Salina Community Foundation and the Salina Regional Health Center Foundation.
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