Larry Wayne Stephens, 67, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family in his hometown of Mt. Sterling.
Born Feb. 14, 1959, he was the son of the late Harold Clay and Roxie Louise Purvis Stephens. He grew up in a close-knit family, where he learned the values of kindness, compassion, and hard work. He earned his GED in Montgomery County and took pride in everything he did. He loved playing baseball as a child and adult and often reminisced about his days playing church league softball. He loved in his spare time to golf with his brothers. He loved his wife, Libby, deeply. He cared for her, stood by her, and made sure she knew how much she meant to him. His faith was a special part of who he was. He loved reading his Bible and sharing his testimony with others. He never kept his faith to himself and was always glad to tell people what God had done in his life. His pride and joy was his family. If you were within earshot, chances were he was talking about them. He loved watching his grandchildren do just about anything, especially play sports—and it certainly didn’t hurt if there was a concession stand nearby. Whether it was an ice cream run, fishing trip, visit to the park or Civil War battlefield, or Pappy Larry slipping them some money and saying, “Don’t tell Granny,” he was always there. He showed up, cheered them on, and loved them fiercely. His grandchildren fondly remember staying at his house and starting each morning with a game of Yahtzee or cards. He was deeply loved by everyone blessed to know him. His absence leaves a void in many hearts, and he will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Libby Harlow Stephens; brothers, Roy Gene (Valerie) Stephens and Harold Clay Jr. (Joy) Stephens; four daughters, Leigh Parker (Shayne), Jamie Hatton (BJ), Alicia Manconi (JJ) and Toni Manconi Pitts (Ron); nine grandchildren, Jenny Manconi Stanley, Michelle Parker Mayabb, Mason Hatton IV, Aaron Toy, Jacob Toy, Alex Hatton, McKenzie Pitts, Gunner Toy and Warren Pitts; and ten great-grandchildren, Raylan, Ralph Carter, Brinley, Addyson, Karleigh, Kamryn, Jackson, Jettson, Kaysen and Jace; and nieces and nephews, Alicia, Kristen, Michelle, Kat, DJ, Jordan and Jay.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Faye Stephens Howard.
Service was conducted at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Taul Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chris Davis officiating. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s name to Pinky’s Promise, a cause near and dear to his heart.
