of Conway, AR
April 2, 1931 - August 28, 2023
Kenneth Gene Stephens, 92, of Conway, a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and one of Arkansas's most successful high school and college football coaches, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
He was born in Conway on April 2, 1931 to Earl and Edna Stephens. As a track star at Conway High School, he competed in several events, including the 440-yard, 880-yard and mile relays; the 120-yard high hurdles and 220-yard low hurdles; the long jump and the 100-yard dash. Stephens regularly earned the high point award in track meets, including the 1948 state meet. He participated in football as a junior and senior, playing halfback on offense and safety on defense. He graduated from Conway High School in 1948.
At Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas), he set records in football and track. Stephens's school record of five interceptions in one football game has not been broken. On the track, he was a two-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American and was the first Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference athlete to be named All-American two years in a row in any sport. He was the national runner-up in the 120-yard high hurdles in 1951 and 1952; the only high hurdle races he lost during his college career were at the two national meets. Stephens graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1952 with a BS in education.
From there he went to Crossett High School as assistant football coach and he became head football coach and athletic director at Bethany High School in Bethany, OK in 1953. During his one year there, his team won a conference championship and two games in the state playoffs. Stephens took a year off to complete his MS degree in education from George Peabody College (later merged into Vanderbilt University), after which he became head coach and athletic director at Walnut Ridge High School in 1956. The team won a conference championship in 1957.
In 1958, he returned to Conway High School as head coach and recorded back-to-back 7/3 seasons before leaving in 1960 for what is now Arkansas State University, where he served as an assistant coach for one season. In 1962, he became head coach at Morrilton High School.
His greatest success in coaching high school football came at North Little Rock, where he was head coach and athletic director from 1963 to 1970. Stephens led the Wildcats to three state championships (1965, '66 and '70), leaving after the 1970 season to become an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas before returning to his college alma mater as head coach in 1972, where he laid the foundation for the success the Bears have experienced ever since.
During his 10 years at UCA, Stephens had eight winning seasons and guided the Bears, a team that had not had a winning season since 1968, to AIC titles in 1976, '78, '80 and '81. During those same years, the Bears also participated in the NAIA playoffs. In 1976, the Bears finished national runner-up, falling to what is now Texas A&M-Kingsville in the NAIA championship game.
Stephens left UCA in 1982 to become head coach at Lamar University. He returned to Arkansas in January 1986 as head coach at Arkansas Tech, coaching there through the 1992 season. After a few years of retirement, Stephens returned to football in 2001 as the head coach at Ranger College in Ranger, Texas, taking over a program that had won only one game during the previous two seasons. From 2001 to 2004, Stephens' teams won 15 games. He was nominated for National Junior College Athletic Association Coach of the Year in 2002 after a 5/5 season.
In recognition of his high school coaching success, Stephens won the Lowell Manning Award and was named on two occasions as an Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star coach. As a college coach, he was named AIC Coach of the Year in 1978, 1980 and 1981. He was inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2007, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and Conway High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
In 1988, Stephens met a young Arkansas Gazette sportswriter, Donna Lampkin, on the Arkansas Tech football field. They were married on July 12, 1996 and enjoyed 27 years of marriage, much of which was spent traveling the state to attend sporting events.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway.
Stephens was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Allen Stephens; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Geneva Stephens; his sister and brother-in-law, Edna Earle and J.K. Williams and his mother-in-law, Noris Lampkin.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Lampkin Stephens; his sons, Greg Stephens (Pat Parker) of Monticello, Kimbro Stephens (Karen) of Little Rock and Philip Stephens (Krissy) of Sherwood; grandchildren, Kathryn Eastman (Chuck) of Palo Alto, CA; Alex Ward (Carri Jo) of Conway; Rachel Herrera (Jose Carlos) of Nashville, TN; Jennifer Stephens of Martinez, CA; Joshua Stephens of Clarksville; Grace Stephens of Little Rock; Joy Schulman (Jared) of Pflugerville, TX; Christina Crawford (Matt) of Lakeville, MN and Savanna Stephens of Sherwood; his in-laws, Don Lampkin, Jerry and Jackie Lampkin, Sherry Young and Becky and Marc Harris of Chidester; nephews, Steve Williams (Julie) of Magnet Cove; David Williams (Kristy) of Alexander; Allen Williams (Shelley) of Rogers; Mark Stephens (Lisa) of Conway; Jared Lampkin (Morgan), Joshua Lampkin (Brooke), Bradley Harris (Kaina) and Brandon Harris of Chidester; Tyler Young (Karen) of Cedar Park, TX and Wesley Young (Torie) of Valdez, AK; nieces, Jaye Kay Brown (James) of Springdale; Sonya and Stephanie Stephens of Conway and Peyton Skidmore (Tanner) of Camden; his former daughter-in-law, Jan Bartlett and her husband, Randy of Little Rock; as well as thousands of former players across the country who will carry his influence with them forever. His legacy will live on.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-McNutt in Conway. Memorial service will be Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Conway, 1610 Prince St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to FUMC or a favorite charity.
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40 Condolence(s)
David Johnston
Monday, September 11, 2023
the first head coach i worked for.. I loved the passion he shared with me for the Hurdles.. and showed me how to win at Football and with the Wishbone...
Bless the families and friends... prayers to all
David
Rosa Lee Collins
Sunday, September 10, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Temirez Williams
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Sending my condolences to my extended family. Coach and Mrs Stevens was more than my Coach and his wife, They are my Family. We had so many great moments and memories together. I will always cherish our time together. I love you guys more than I can say with words.
Chad Harbison
Friday, September 8, 2023
Thank you Coach for giving me an opportunity! The life lessons learned while playing for you have been priceless.
Jimmy and Jann Bryant
Friday, September 8, 2023
Jann and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Donna and Ken’s sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ken was a very good friend, as well as an outstanding football coach and all round athlete. He will be greatly missed.
Debi Avra
Friday, September 8, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Coach touched many lives in his 92 years. He was a special friend to our family and will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Lawson PIlgrim
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Coach Stephens, truly a Class Act, and Great example for all.
Our Condolences and Prayers to the Stephens Family.
- with Much Love.
Barry Switzer
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Ken Stephens was my high school coach in Crossett Arkansas 1953! Was my coach and friend! God Bless!
Barry Switzer
Bruce Webb
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family! Ann & Bruce Webb
Joe R. Goss
Thursday, September 7, 2023
My prayers are with his family and friends.
Coach Stephens was great at UCA.
He will be missed.
Donnie Hamric
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Stephens was a great man & Coach! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for you & your family during the days ahead! May God cover you & your family with His love & grace. Take care & be safe!
Fritz Heidenreich
Monday, September 4, 2023
Coach Stephens was an inspiration. He was tough yet understanding. I was honored to be one of his players at Arkansas Tech. I didn't realize how accomplished of an athlete he was until I read his obituary. WOW!!! No wonder he expected so much of us! Thank you Coach Stephens for giving me an opportunity to play! Until we meet again! Oh, if you get a chance, throw me the ball!!!
David and Susan Harvey
Sunday, September 3, 2023
We are heartbroken to hear about Ken. Words fall short. If there is anything that we can do...
Pam White Dunavant
Sunday, September 3, 2023
To all the family - I always remember "Uncle" Ken as being a very kind man. God blessed him with a wonderful life and he had such an impact on so many young lives. May you all know the love and comfort that only God can give.
Brian and Mary Smith
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Donna, we pray for comfort and peace for you as you strive to deal with Ken’s passing. He will be missed. There are no words to adequately express how sorry we are.
Brian and Mary Smith
Karen M Mortazavi
Friday, September 1, 2023
What a lovely tribute to a man who led a rich and successful life! We never had the privilege of meeting Ken but it's obvious he was an incredible person and coach. Our condolences to his family, friends and student athletes. Our hearts especially go out to you, Donna, as you mourn this great loss at the same time you are mourning the loss of your loving mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Karen and Kaivon Mortazavi
Julie Hedgepeth Williams
Friday, September 1, 2023
Sending you a big hug, Donna, and many condolences to you and your family. I read your husband's obituary with amazement -- what an extraordinary talent! What a wonderful legacy he left to so many young athletes.
Jim Ashley
Friday, September 1, 2023
Donna, I'm so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I offer prayers of comfort for you and the days ahead.
Sheila
Friday, September 1, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be miss by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Morrow Family
Richard Robinson
Friday, September 1, 2023
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. God bless.
Tony Nassar
Friday, September 1, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Coach Stephens was a great man and a great coach. I had a great time playing for him. Great memories.
John W. Burney
Friday, September 1, 2023
Ken was an early influence of someone I wanted to be like. He helped me in high school to be a better track athlete and incouraged me me to be a part of a team. I did admire him.
John Guess
Friday, September 1, 2023
Many prayers for comfort from Red Hill/Missouri Church.
Joe Fred Young
Friday, September 1, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Coach was a role model for me and many young coaches. He also was my high school.
Kenny and Terri Rowland
Friday, September 1, 2023
Our prayers are with you all.
Adriian Gardner
Friday, September 1, 2023
To the Stephens and Lampkin families.
May God bless thee and keep thee now henceforth and forever.
Amen!
Bridget Thomas Hicks
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. My family is thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Jeff Courtway
Thursday, August 31, 2023
I am saddened by the loss of this fine man and great coach. He gave me a second chance to play college football for the Bears. I loved playing ball with Kimbro and always was welcomed at their home. Thanks for all the great memories.
Kathy Burton
Thursday, August 31, 2023
The Lord has blessed you and Ken. Prayers for all the families who love you.
Donna Woodral
Thursday, August 31, 2023
May God give you comfort during your time of sorrow
Bob Lawrence
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Great coach, great man
Sara Yarbrough
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Donna, sending prayers to you and your family.
Mary Catherine Flanagin Glover
Thursday, August 31, 2023
I’m sorry for your loss! I have great memories of Coach Stephens!
Katrisha Kennedy Baker
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Donna, I remember you talking about him when you were teaching my classes at UCA. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. God will be with you during this time. May He embrace you and the family in His love and warmth. You’ll be in my prayers.
Joetta and Dick Duke
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Donna, prayers coming your way for strength, wonderful memories and peace. You and Coach were a great team and lived a wonderful life filled with love and happiness. Hold all those tight.
Marla Williford
Thursday, August 31, 2023
So sorry to hear the passing of Ken. My condolences.
Samuel Brown
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Donna ,my condolences to you n the Stephen and Lampkin family. God will be with doing this time. Amen.
Barry Burch
Thursday, August 31, 2023
So thankful for the opportunity to play for and coach with Coach Stephens Lifetime of wonderful memories
David Foyil
Thursday, August 31, 2023
May Coach Stephens RIP! He was a great coach and leader for the team of ‘76! My prayers and condolences go out to the Stephens family. David
Steven Horton
Thursday, August 31, 2023
To Kim and your family, I send my deepest condolences for your loss but I look at it as a great victory in heaven your Dad coaching from above. He was a great man!