Stephen Andrew Killian

Hickory – Stephen Andrew Killian, 73 of Hickory went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 19th, 2024, at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on July 6th, 1951, in Catawba County, NC, Stephen was the son of the late Joe Carson and Byrlea Bumgarner Killian. Stephen graduated from ASU with a master’s degree in education. He taught school for 28 years and was a painting contractor for 25 years. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He was loved by his family and will be dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by, his brothers, Howard Killian, Sam Killian, and Dwight Killian and wife, Betty, and his sister Judy Wilson and husband, Bill.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife of 38 years, Phyllis Swanson Killian; his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle Killian Vitelli and Matthew Vitelli; his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Killian and Elisa Killian; his grandchildren, Sean Killian, Elinore Rae Killian, Mason Vitelli, and Mari Karson Vitelli; his brothers, Robert Killian and wife, Nancy and Jerry Killian and wife, Jane; sisters-in-law, Annie Killian and Dot Killian, as well as, many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Tim Killian officiating. Burial will follow the service at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the BPOE Elks Lodge in Hickory from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BPOE Elks Hickory, NC in Stephen’s name.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Killian Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.