Stephen Douglas Edson, 83, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at Research Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 31, 1943, in Independence, Missouri, to James Lionel Edson and Edythe Lucille (Waggener) Edson.

Stephen was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Johnson on December 1, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stephen served with the Missouri Highway Patrol and as Carroll County Chief Deputy. Later, he worked in Security and Loss Prevention for Montgomery Ward and Sears and subsequently served as a Security Manager for Motorola.

Stephen proudly served in the Missouri Army National Guard and was a member of the Missouri Rural Crime Squad. He was also active in the Scottish Rite and York Rite Masons and was a Shriner with Ararat Temple in Kansas City, Missouri. Throughout his life, Stephen was known as a jokester who never lost his sense of humor and was always ready with a prank, bringing laughter to those around him.

Above all, Stephen cherished his family and friends, and his quick wit, generous spirit, and unforgettable sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Edson; daughters, Cathy Mathis (Brad) and Cindy Kipping (Robert); stepdaughters, Kimberly Burger (Tim) and Susan Johnson, all of Carrollton; grandchildren, Corey Mathis (Jolene) of Parkville, Clint Mathis (Amanda), Carson Pyle (Wyatt) of Carrollton, Sarah Kipping of Bozeman, Montana, Jocelyn Bultmann of Bolivar, Celena Hawkins (Greg) of Bosworth, Kelsey Lyon (Bret), Dakota Mills (Katie), and Aubrey Finkeldie, all of Carrollton; and great-grandchildren, Mira and Jack Mathis, Quinnley and Kallie Mathis, Parker Pyle, Makina Stottlemyre, Brendan and Cami Jo Boyd, Eve Hawkins, Augustus Finkeldie, Kortlynn and Beckham Lyon and Braxton and Baker Mills.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James Lionel Edson Jr. and Dr. Lawrence Neil Edson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Warrensburg Animal Shelter and/or Lifetime Animal Center and may be left in care of the funeral home.