WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Philip James Stevens, age 48, of rural Vicksburg, died Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Kalamazoo on Aug. 12, 1972 the son of Ronald W. and Suzanne (Papierz) Stevens. He graduated from Comstock High School with the class of 1990, and later attended the Fire Academy. Philip was a firefighter, and first responder, and was currently serving as the Medical Captain for the Leonidas Volunteer Fire Department. For the past eleven years he volunteered at the annual summer Great Lakes Burn Camp and attended Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville.
Philip was employed as a welder for the Stryker Corporation in Kalamazoo for eighteen years. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He greatly enjoyed cooking, especially outdoor grilling and hog roasts. He was a Detroit Red Wings fan, enjoyed NASCAR races, and riding his Harley motorcycle.
Philip was married to Yalondi (Anderson) Stevens on Sep. 23, 1995 in Kalamazoo. She survives along with three children, Dacotah (Austin) Keller, and Shyannah (Brandon) Stevens both of Leonidas and Jacob Broker of Colon; seven grandchildren, Carsyn, Nova, Nowah, Lennox, Parker, Odeyyn, and Phoenix; his mother, Suzanne Stevens of Kalamazoo; three siblings, Terri Stevens, Timothy (Karen) Stevens, and Ronda (Robert) Pakiela; nieces and nephews; foreign exchange children, Yoke and Beauty; and several foster and adopted children he treated as his own. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Stevens; and four very special babies in heaven.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 am Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Firm Foundations Ministry in Centreville. Funeral services will begin at 11 am Saturday at the church with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Cremation will follow services. People are encouraged to wear Philip’s favorite attire of sleeveless shirts and flip-flops. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to Great Lakes Burn Camp at www.glbcforkids.org
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.eicikhofffuneralhome.com and where a recording of the ceremony will be posted later in the day.
