Stephen Conard

Stephen Conard was called home to Heaven on September 21, 2022, after a long, valiant battle with liver cancer. Steve was a warrior. He endured over nine treatment plans during his two-year battle yet always had a positive attitude. His faith in Jesus never wavered and he would often say, “Jesus suffered for me so I can do a little suffering while I’m on this earth.” He chose to focus on the crown…not his circumstances. That was Steve.

Steve first came to the Lord when he was 18 years old. Even after this, he continued living a life of debauchery. Sex, drugs and rock and roll. He not only used drugs, but was also a popular distributor of LSD, heroin, marijuana and other goodies at local concert venues in the 70’s. It wasn’t until he found himself holding a gun to someone’s head during a bad drug deal that he realized he needed to come back to Jesus. The prodigal son went home.

It was around this time Steve started working on a hog farm. He did everything disgusting you can imagine on this farm. He slowly worked his way up to a meat shop apprentice, eventually becoming a first cutter working with the union where he would retire almost 40 years later.

In 1998, Steve met the love of his life, Cassandra, at Class Reunion in Blue Springs. At first, they were the hip party couple; although Steve was also a Christian who attended church regularly. Cassandra hadn’t seen the inside of a church since she was very young. Steve eventually was able to get Cassandra to attend with him and it wasn’t long before she AND her son, Michael, came to the Lord. They wed in 2000. Soon thereafter, all three began working in ministry and Steve adopted Michael in 2007. It was a match made in Heaven. Literally. You see, Cassandra and Michael were on a downward spiral when they met Steve. It’s because of him they finally understood the love of God and it’s because of Jesus they’re guaranteed they will all be together again.

In 2020, tragedy struck. After a year of debilitating pain and countless doctor visits, Steve was finally diagnosed with liver cancer. He immediately began treatment, but nothing ever really worked. The cancer slowly metastasized and it wasn’t long before there were no more options other than a clinical trial. Steve endured this as well to no avail. That cancer was trying to take him out.

Cancer may have killed Steve’s body, but it never affected his spirit. He was carefree, loved Jesus, golf, his family, and music. He knew that his suffering wasn’t God’s doing. It was simply the result of a fallen world. Even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. He was loved by many and loved many unconditionally. He certainly knew no strangers. Steve is now fully healed and no longer suffering, dancing in the presence of our Lord, and experiencing inexplicable joy. That’s the promise of Heaven!

Steve, you were a wonderful husband, father, friend, mentor, and reflection of Christ. Your faith was staggering and something we can all learn from. You worried about nothing and always reminded others to “think of the birds.” We are all truly blessed to even have known a soul such as you. We love you and will miss you until we are together again. Until that time, “Get Stuffed!”

Steve is preceded in death by his parents. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Cassandra Conard; children, Leah (James) Stephens and Michael (Kim) Conard; grandchildren, Alivia Dillon, Alyssa Dillon, Michael Akins Jr., and Harper “Sugar Plum” Conard; and his beloved dog, Charlie and cat, Loca.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Abundant Life Church, 112 W 23rd St S, Independence, MO, on Saturday, October 8th at 12:00pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church. Please join the family as they continue to celebrate Steve with good food, music, and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Abundant Life Church - Food Pantry .

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