Verle D. Stephenson, 76, of Hiawatha, surrounded by his family, passed away early Monday morning, September 30, 2019, at his home.

A Celebration of Verle’s life is planned for 11 a.m., Thursday, October 3, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

The family will visit with friends one hour prior to services.

Verle was born November 28, 1942, at Miller, Kansas, the son of Homer Clayton and Evelyn Nadine Parks Stephenson. He grew up at Miller, attended schools there prior to graduating from McCracken High School with the class of 1960. His family has a long history being associated with the railroad, with Verle following that tradition, as well as his son Tony. Verle started with the Missouri-Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific), as a signalman, working with the traveling gang for nearly 30 years before becoming disabled in 1995 and retiring.

He married Laurel “Jeanne” Colstrom, September 29, 1962, at Paola, KS. They have made Hiawatha their home since 1969. She survives at home.

Other survivors include two sons Tony Allen Stephenson (Carol) and Rodney Duane Stephenson (Kim), both of St. Joseph, MO, a daughter Angela Jean Dimmel (Fred) of Blue Springs, MO; brother Larry Stephenson (Charlotte) of Nebraska City, NE, a sister Claudia Honea of Topeka; 8 grandchildren: Matt, Payton, Hunter, Samantha, Grant, Paige, Fred and Erica.

Verle was preceded in death by his parents, a great-granddaughter Pacey Marie, and a brother Clayton Stephenson.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Freedom Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com