Kelly Lynn Stephenson

Kelly Stephenson, beloved husband, friend, and free spirit, passed away on December 15, 2025, in Indianapolis. He was born on November 11, 1967, in Jasper, Indiana, to the late Shelby Stephenson and JoAnn Ranney.

Kelly earned his electrical engineering degree from Purdue University and embraced life with an adventurous spirit. His career and curiosity led him to live in Florida, California, and Arizona, where he made lasting friendships everywhere he went. It was in Arizona that Kelly met fellow Hoosier and future wife, Kimmie Brown-Stephenson. Both were ready to return to Indiana to be closer to family and married on September 18, 2004.

Creative and endlessly curious, Kelly loved music, storytelling, and playing guitar. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the musicians he admired and a talent for writing lyrics. His creativity extended beyond music—he built a tiki bar that became a gathering place for friends and crafted an outdoor fountain from stones collected on creekside adventures.

Kelly’s passions included music, dogs, travel, comedy, searching for arrowheads, nature, and friendships that endured across time and distance. He was known for his generosity, quick wit, and charm. His laughter—and his gift for making others laugh—will be missed most of all.

Though his time with family and friends was far too short, the memories and stories he leaves behind will live on.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Kim Stephenson; sister, Tonya Brown; and nephews, Kile Brown, Kody Brown and Tikelan Kilburn.

A celebration of Kelly’s life will be announced soon, where friends and family can gather to share memories and honor his remarkable spirit.