In Memoriam: E. Douglas Stephan
Sturgill Turner regrets to report the loss of long-time member attorney Doug Stephan, who passed away on Sunday, January 7, in Lexington after a short illness.
Doug was well known across the Commonwealth for his excellence as a lawyer, but most importantly, for his kindness and professionalism while working with fellow attorneys, judges, and clients. His is a true loss for our firm and for the Kentucky legal community. Please read his obituary and information about arrangements below.
Earl Douglas Stephan
May 18, 1955 - January 7, 2024
Earl Douglas Stephan, 68, husband of Melissa Lewis Stephan, passed away on January 7, 2024. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on May 18, 1955 to the late Earl and Mary Stephan. Doug is survived by Melissa Stephan of Lexington, KY, his wife of 42 years, as well as three children: Peter Stephan (Erin) of Washington, DC, Sarah Stephan (Zac) of New York City, NY, and Hunter Stephan (Paxton) of Washington, DC. He is also survived by his siblings Howard Stephan (Sheila) of Lexington, KY, Anne Grilliot (Bob) of Noblesville, IN, and Scott Stephan (Melinda) of Noblesville, IN, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Whether a family member, friend, co-worker, client, or complete stranger, Doug wanted to know how he could help; and he always prepared himself to do his best. He measured 'success' in his daily life by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "to know even one life has breathed easier." He met this measure in full with every member of his family, and the services he provided for others, such as being Cub Scout Master to Pack 121, and then Leader for Troops 93 and 73 in Lexington. His many professional accolades are a testament to how he met his measure in his work life. He was a voracious reader, lover of history, and learner, who loved to understand his place in the world through nature and travel, journeying to every continent.
Doug graduated from the University of Kentucky, first with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, and later with a Juris Doctor degree. He was the first in his family to go to college and credited his successful education to his parents for their lifelong advocacy of education, an advocacy he carried on throughout his life. He clerked for the Hon. Edward H. Johnstone, a mentor to whom he was devoted, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He served in the Brereton Jones administration as General Counsel for the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, where he helped secure public ownership of Blanton Forest, the largest Old Growth Forest in Kentucky. Afterwards he worked as a partner at Sturgill Turner Barker and Moloney for over 27 years.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 533 East Main St., Lexington, KY - followed by a celebration of life at Bell House, 545 Sayre Avenue, Lexington, KY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust online at KNLT.org or by mail to KNLT, 433 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403.
Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Jan. 19, 2024.