Luke Anthony Stephens, age 44, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on June 23, 2026, after a short battle with colon cancer.
Born in 1981 to Nathan and Mileen Stephens, Luke grew up in rural Missouri. He played baseball, basketball, and track. He enjoyed slow-pitch softball, racing B modified cars with his father and brothers, and deer hunting, a passion he later shared with his son.
Luke earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University, a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, and completed Family Medicine Residency at MU. He furthered his expertise with an Academic Medicine Fellowship, a Master of Science in Public Health, and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Returning to MU, he served as Program Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship.
A passionate teacher and physician, Luke was committed to developing doctors who combined medical knowledge with compassionate care. His humor and wit brought joy to his colleagues, and his driving principles were hard work and honesty, saying, “If I can do those two things every day, I’ll be a success.”
Above all, Luke was a devoted husband and father. He married Amanda, the love of his life, in 2009, and together they have three children: Isabelle, Isaac, and Eleanor. Luke was immensely proud of each of them, championing them in all their activities from sports to theater to band. A member of The Crossing Church, Luke actively participated in small groups and Crossing Kids. Even through the hardest days, Luke kept his focus on the Lord, shared his faith with others and found strength from reading the Psalms.
Luke is survived by his wife Amanda; children Isabelle, Isaac, and Eleanor; father Nathan (Susan) Stephens; brothers Matt (Nichole) Stephens and Paul (Stephanie) Stephens; nieces and nephews; in-laws Joseph and Irene Diaguila; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Mileen Stephens, grandparents, and cousin Seth.
A visitation will be held at The Crossing Church, 3615 Southland Drive, Columbia, Missouri, on Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund for Luke’s children’s education at https://rock.thecrossingchurch.com/Ministry/Care/Memorial-Donation.
Full obituary and online condolences may be shared at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
