Randy L. Stephens

Randy Lane Stephens, 69 of Lewistown, MT passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023 in Billings, MT. Randy was born July 13, 1953 in Glendive, MT to Marvin and Frances (Watson) Stephens. He was the oldest brother to Robin and Becky. Randy was the proud father to son Joshua and daughter Heather. He was also blessed with 5 grandchildren Blaine, Bentley, Broczen, Chandler, and Olivia.

Randy received his education in Lewistown, MT graduating from Fergus High School in 1971. He then went to college at U of M in Missoula, MT earning a Bachelors of Social Science and Physical Education. Randy later went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from MSU in Bozeman, MT.

Through his 40 plus years in education/coaching, Randy helped out wherever he was needed. Whether it was teaching drivers ed, assisting in football, track, coaching t-ball or soccer. Randy’s passion was coaching high school boys’ basketball. He was more than just a coach he was also a mentor and counselor to many of his students. He put on numerous basketball camps during the summer for kids elementary thru high school. Randy also helped out coaching with other schools’ basketball camps. One summer he drove his basketball players from Wray, CO. to Lewistown, MT to participate in a week-long basketball camp. One of the highlights of another camp was that Randy was able to coach alongside the famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who won 10 National Championships in the NCAA. The very last time he “coached” was in his hometown outside at an elementary school yard basketball court when his grandsons and some local kids were playing a game. He couldn’t just watch them play he started coaching them. If they did not shoot the ball the correct way, or rebounding he would stop their game and give them pointers, and throw in an easy play or two. Randy’s career led him all over Montana and Colorado including Scobey, Gardiner, Lambert, Ekalaka, Custer, Forsyth, and Ennis, Joliet, Reed Point, MT as well as Wray and Valley, CO to name a few. Many of his students have gone on to become successful basketball coaches and have followed in his footsteps.

Randy also loved golf, baseball, water sports, running and most importantly spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid Duke and Golden State Warriors fan.

Randy is survived by his children Joshua Stephens, Heather (Nate) Thompson, brother Robin Stephens, sister Becky Stephens and families. 5 grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Randy was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Frances Stephens.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church in Lewistown with committal to follow in the Lewistown City Cemetery. The service will be live streamed by the First Presbyterian Church and that can be accessed through the link, https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianChurchLewistown.

In memory of Randy donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital (which was his lifelong charity), or go do something nice for someone else and don’t tell them. Rest in Peace Dad you will be dearly missed we love you.