Stephen Gene DeChenne was born on October 13, 1964 to Carrol Gene and Delma Alice (Nida) DeChenne in Cottonwood, Idaho.  He passed away December 24, 2019 in Harper, Kansas at the age of 55.

After the family moved to Harper in 1968, Stephen accepted Christ at the Calvery Baptist Church.  He graduated from Chaparral High School with the class of 1983.  On July 10, 1985, Stephen was united in marriage to Laura Jean Walker and to this union, they were blessed with three children: Stephen W., Staci, and Shaun.

Stephen started a 20-year career with Cessna Aircraft.  While being laid off at Cessna, he worked for Harper County Road and Bridge for 5 of those years.

At a young age, Stephen found a passion in drag racing, tinkering in the shop, and just being an all-around "car guy."  He especially enjoyed his time in the shop with his dad, his sons, and his best friends: Dave, Jim, and Rufus.  Along with the shop time with his best friends, he also enjoyed their trips to the tree farm in Danville where they would sit around campfires, plan their next projects, and eat hotdogs.

Every year Stephen looked forward to riding his motorcycle to Red River, New Mexico, where he and Laura would spend a week making memories with good friends.  He also cherished the memories he and Laura would make traveling to Colorado to stay in their cabin.

Stephen will be remembered for his quick wit, his sense of humor, his ability to make anyone he met laugh, and his talents of turning wrenches and ability to fix anything.

Preceding Stephen in death are his grandparents, Leonard and Bessie Nida, and Stephen and Lura DeChenne.  He leaves behind his wife, Laura of the home in Harper; children: Stephen W. DeChenne of Hutchinson, Kansas, Staci DeChenne of Indianapolis, Indiana, Shaun DeChenne of Harper; his four-legged best friend, Rufus; parents, Carrol and Delma DeChenne of Harper; sister, September Smith and her husband, Brian of Sharon, Kansas; nephew, Nathan Smith and niece, Brianna Fischer; two great-nephews; a host of other family members; and many friends.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Funeral service is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper with David Gregory officiating.  Interment will follow at the Harper Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Humane Society of Wichita and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is assisting the family with arrangements and services.