Frederick Ellis Stevens

Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Fred only moved away from his home state once to defend his country in World War II. During this period, he was injured and received an honorable discharge from the US Coast Guard. Shortly after this, he returned home and met Geneva Rahill of Oklahoma City. They instantly fell in love and married on February 18, 1945. They remained head over heels for each other for over 62 years until Geneva’s passing.

Being an entrepreneur, Fred and his brother Raymond owned and operated E.G. Stevens Tobacco and Candy Company, located in the Delano District. At the age of 60, he took up golf which started a passion for him and his family. At the age of 65, he and his brother sold their company to focus on the finer things in life including traveling, volunteering, fitness, and being with his family. Friends and family could always find Fred bussing tables at Toni D’s Deli, the Heskett Center working out, playing golf at Braeburn, or cheering on the Shockers at every basketball game since 1958. Fred and Geneva’s lives were so enriched by WSU Athletics that they established a scholarship to assist student athletes.

Fred began volunteering for the Braeburn Junior Golf Program in 1987. He was instrumental in introducing many juniors to the game he loved. In 2009, he received the Wichita Area Junior Golf Volunteer of the Year Award. At the age of 88, he was awarded by the Braeburn Men’s Club the Eagle’s Club award for his outstanding service and support of the men’s club and WSU golf teams.

Fred had many amazing accomplishments in his life, but the one he was most proud of was his family. He and Geneva have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, brothers George, Joseph, Roy. His sister Julia, and his beloved wife Geneva.. He will be missed greatly by his brother Raymond of Wichita; his son Dr. Ron and Pam Stevens of Newton, KS; daughters and sons-in-law Jan and Jim Mattingly; Stephanie and Dr. Jay Stanley Jones all of Wichita. His grandchildren: Lindsay and husband Bobby Rasberry; Meagan and husband Joe Earnest; Mallory and husband W.G. Farha; Dr. Preston Jones; Jordan Jones ; Tyler and wife Ericia Stevens; and Lauren Stevens. His Great-Grandchildren: Robby and Reide Rasberry, G and Juliet Farha, Landyn and Oliver Stevens, and Evelyn Earnest. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 and graveside service 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, KS 67209. Memorials have been established with St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 or St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 344 S Martinson St, Wichita, KS 67213 or WSU Foundation, Fred and Geneva Golf Scholarship, 1845 Fairmont Box 1, Wichita, KS 67260-0018.