Clarence R. Stephenson Sr.

Clarence Richard Stephenson, Sr. affectionately known as “Dick” or “Steve” was born in Miami, MO on October 11, 1924, the same day the Kansas City Monarchs won the 1924 Colored World Series and Calvin Coolidge was elected President of the United States speaking out for Civil Rights, advocating for the anti-lynching law and signed the Indian Citizenship Act granting full citizenship to all Native Americans while permitting them to retain tribal land rights.

Clarence was the fourth of seven children born to Francis C. Gordon and Henry Stephenson on the Missouri riverbank of Miami, MO. At the age of eight, he was "adopted" by the H.E. Stonner family. The benefit of living with both families offered infinite love and taught him the importance of integrity, family values, and many skills that would give him a strong support system and influence throughout his entire life.

In Clarence’s early years, he attended C.C. Hubbard High School in Sedalia, MO where he was recognized as an All-State football and basketball player. Leaving school at 16, he volunteered to serve in the US Navy during WWII as a Seaman, Second Class Gunner for a tour of 2 years, 9 months and 11 days. After returning home, he passed up an opportunity to become a professional baseball player in the Negro League to finish high school in 1948.

Clarence graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO (1952) with a Degree in Health and Physical Education. During his time at Lincoln, he played football, basketball, ran track, and became "Eternal Lampado" of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Under the direction of Coach Ray Kemp, Clarence served as the first student coach for the Lincoln University Blue Tigers Basketball Team. He also met Patricia Ann McLeod and married the love of his life in 1952. They were married 52 years until her death in 2004.

After moving to the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area in 1953, he became the Athletic Director of the Paseo YMCA (18th & Paseo) and was the first black salesperson in the menswear department at Sears, Roebuck & Company. He served 38 years with the Kansas City Missouri School District as a Physical Education (P.E.) Teacher and Supervisor of the P.E. program and the Directing Supervisor of the National Youth Summer Sports Program (N.Y.S.P.), a program in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) for at risk youth. Clarence also was one of the first Black Certified Water Safety Instructors and Certified Official for the Interscholastic League (Black Officials Association).

Clarence volunteered as Head Coach for the 3&2 Baseball and South Suburban Athletic Associations where he was one of the firsts to break the color barrier. He served as an Indian Guides Chief, past president of the Bridlespur Homes Association, Golf Course Marshall for Kansas City Parks & Recreation, a member of Southwest Optimist and an active member of Holmeswood Baptist Church serving as Deacon, Adult & Youth Sunday School Teacher and Building Committee Member. The “Pat & Steve Team” touched countless people with unconditional love, guidance and shelter. Many of these protégés have become successful in the fields of education, business, politics and sports.

Preceding him in death were his parents and siblings: William P. Stephenson (Nanny), Julia R. Tindall (Nathan, Sr.), Harold L. Stephenson (Catherine), Armour D. Stephenson, Sr. (Thelma), Eddie H. Stephenson (Celeste), and Kathleen M. Styles (John). He was also preceded in death by one son, Clarence R. Stephenson, Jr. (Jessica).

He leaves behind to celebrate his life Dama F. Stephenson (Atlanta, GA), Lisa A. Stephenson (KCMO) and Dona L. Stephenson (Charlotte, NC), four grandchildren: Mindia L. Stephenson, Marley L.R. Stephenson-Ceesay, Sierra N. Stephenson, and Jay Richard Stephenson (all of KCMO), two great-grandchildren: Zaiden C. and Adrain L. Stephenson-Ceesay, nieces, nephews and “adopted” children.

Clarence enjoyed bowling, playing golf, dominoes and poker, traveling, fishing and spending time with his friends and family.

He was a “country boy” at heart.