David Edward Stephan

David Edward Stephan, 78, of Huntington, Indiana, and Austin, Texas, passed away on October 21, 2025. He was born on April 12, 1947, in Huntington, Indiana, to Lester and Zelma (Schoeff) Stephan. David graduated from Andrews High School in 1965 and attended Huntington University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Karen Mills. They married on August 12, 1967, beginning a beautiful 58-year journey together. Early in their marriage, they left university to pursue life and work, but their dream of completing their education never faded. At age 50, David and Mary returned to Huntington University together, fulfilling that dream and receiving their diplomas in Business Administration. David was a dedicated farmer who grew up working alongside his father, Lester, on the family farm. After his father's tragic passing in a farming accident, David continued the farming legacy with his stepfather, George Bitzer, and later had the joy of farming alongside his son, Joe. He took great pride in raising cattle and cultivating soybeans, wheat, and corn, pouring his heart into the land he loved. A man of deep Christian faith, David placed his trust in Jesus Christ, member of St. Paul's Church, College Park United Brethren Church, and Austin Ridge Bible Church during his time in Texas. His faith moved him to action, leading him across the world on mission trips to the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, Africa, where his kind heart and wonderful sense of humor drew people to him from every culture. David's adventurous spirit and love for people led to one of his most treasured relationships. Through his son Mark's work in eastern Turkey, David formed a deep bond with a Kurdish family, the Kulgus, who welcomed him as part of their tribe. He visited often and helped their son, Erdal (Eimy) Kulgu, through university, embracing him as family. This relationship exemplified David's generous heart and his ability to build bridges across cultures. David was a cancer survivor who faced life's challenges with courage and grace. He was always eager to try new things, and his great sense of humor and genuine kindness endeared him to everyone he met. In recent years, he and Mary enjoyed splitting their time between Indiana and Austin, Texas, treasuring time with family in both places. David was the proud father of three sons and leaves behind a legacy of love in his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Karen Stephan; his sons Joseph (Kathy) Stephan and Mark Stephan; his sister Patti Jo Kindler (Jeff); seven grandchildren: Katie (Andrew) Eckerley, Jacob (Liza) Stephan, Zoee (Nathan) Richardson, Wyatt (Bailey) Stephan, Lauren (Chase) Gray, Lucas (Savannah) Johnson, and Larissa (Ben) Rodkey; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Stephan (May 2020), his daughter-in-law Sharon (Bolin) Stephan, his father Lester Stephan, his mother Zelma Stephan, his stepfather George Bitzer, and his brother Daniel Stephan. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Paul's County Line Church, 3995 North 1000 West, Andrews, IN. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Paul's County Line Church with Rev. Gary Dilley officiating. Burial will follow the service in St. Paul's County Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David to St Paul’s County Line Church Cemetery Fund, and Potawatomi Wildlife Park. David's life was marked by faith, family, and a heart for people everywhere. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the land he tended, and the family he loved so dearly. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of David Edward Stephan.

David Edward Stephan

April 12, 1947 - October 21, 2025