Richard Kevin “Tater” Stephenson

January 22, 1956 – August 26, 2024

Richard Kevin “Tater” (“Ham” for those who knew him from Kirklin) Stephenson, 68, Lebanon, Ind., passed away on Monday morning, August 26, 2024, at IU North Hospital in Carmel. Born January 22, 1956, in Frankfort, Ind., he was the son of the late Bennie J. and Eunice May (Harris) Stephenson.

After his time at Sheridan High School was done, Kevin worked in a few different industries before finding the one that suited him the best: trucking. He drove for several companies before becoming a full-time driver for Westfield Steel. He finished his career with Lanter Trucking. Tuning in to Q-95 helped get him through his days on the road; he enjoyed the music, but The Bob & Tom Show was his favorite part. He was a regular listener even on days off and well into retirement.

Kevin loved working with his hands. Engineer, handyman, tinkerer … whatever your term was, that was Kevin. He loved working on old cars about as much as he enjoyed fiddling around with his Harley. When he would get to a place where he needed to clear his head and look at a problem from a new perspective, that’s when puttering around in the shop began. With tools in hand, he would just begin “creating,” and what came out of it was usually something pretty cool … or at least interesting enough that he would admit to making it.

Tater was a rebel, and a risk taker, and had a deep-seated need for pushing the limits of whatever he decided to take on that day. Tater’s adventurous spirit also taught many valuable life lessons, though in roundabout ways. One example was when he broke his leg trying to teach his daughter how to ride a wheelie on her bike. Kevin also enjoyed trying foods that were outside of his comfort zone. Most of the time it worked out in his favor, but when it didn’t, it was usually a memorable moment.

Tater was the family jokester, and anyone who was around him long enough was bound to be involved in one at some point. He loved people and loved making them laugh even more. It was his way of breaking the ice and saying “I love you guys” at the same time. He was a huge Pacers and Colts fan, and a collector of anything he thought needed to be collected. His collection of oddities of all kinds told you what you needed to know about the person you were dealing with.

Kevin lived his life how he saw fit and loved his family above anything else. He was an awesome friend to many people, and the loudest supporter you were ever going to have in your corner. The best lesson(s) that Kevin ever taught anyone were those that he taught his kids: be independent, follow your passions, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way, all of which he taught by example.

Kevin is survived by his two sons, Luke E. Stephenson of Sheridan and Levi J. Stephenson of Lebanon; stepdaughter, Rachelle L. Cummins of New Orleans; his canine furbaby, Nina, and his feline BFF, Billie; two brothers, Glen Keith Stephenson of Columbus, and Charles Craig Stephenson of Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Carol Ferry of Greenwood, and Kathy Boyt (Dayle) of Westerville, Ohio; two nephews, Maxwell Barnes and Ethan Ferry; three nieces, Audry Barnes, Melissa Stephenson, and Darci Boyt Hickman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Linda Castor of Cape Coral, Fla.; and by his ex-wife, Michelle Denise (Waterman) Stephenson. She and Kevin were soul mates until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie J. and Eunice May (Harris) Stephenson; nephew, Matthew Stephenson; and two sisters-in-law, Janet Stephenson and Mary Ellen Stephenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society for Hamilton County, or the Humane Society for Boone County.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com