In Loving Memory of Stephen Jones

Stephen Wallace Jones, 39, of Winterset, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025. a celebration of life will be held at a later date, when weather and timing allow family and friends to properly honor him.

Stephen was born on June 29, 1986, in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He grew up in Stuart and attended West Central Valley Schools, later making his home in Winterset, where he lived for the past eight years. He worked as a manager at Casey’s and was known for his dedication and strong work ethic.

Stephen could come across tough and serious at first — a true Sour Patch Kid — but those who knew him well knew he had a heart of gold, especially when it came to children. From the time he was a teenager, Stephen seemed to collect kids everywhere he went. Whether they were his own, family, friends, teammates, or neighborhood kids, he always looked out for them. He wasn’t perfect, but he always tried to do what he believed was best for his children, and he loved and adored them more than anything.

Stephen and Nicole were together beginning in 2014 and were married on May 3, 2023. He loved volunteering and coaching Evie’s Parks and Recreation volleyball team, something Nicole and Stephen were able to do together. In his free time, Stephen enjoyed helping with kids’ events and working on cars, especially Ford Mustangs.

Stephen faced ongoing health challenges, including diabetes and recently developing heart-related complications with fluid retention. The family was actively in the process of medical appointments and seeking answers when his passing occurred so suddenly.

Stephen leaves behind his wife, Nicole Trout; his parents, Steve and Cleta Sullivan; his children Samara Jones, Isaac Jones, Sebastian Jones, Skyler Zellers, Zach Zellers, and Genevieve Jones; his sister, Amber Kendall; and his great-uncle, Wallace Waddell. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wayne and Pauline Jones; paternal grandparents, James and Columbine Sullivan; and his brother, Andy Sullivan.

This GoFundMe has been created by Nicole to help cover final expenses, unexpected costs, household bills, and to provide stability for the children during this difficult time, especially with Christmas so close. Any donation, share, or kind word is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Stephen Jones Obituary

Stephen Wallace Jones, 39, of Winterset, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at the Johnson Family Funeral Home website.

Stephen was born on June 29, 1986, in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He grew up in Stuart and attended West Central Valley Schools. For the last eight years, he made his home in Winterset.

On May 3, 2023, Stephen was united in marriage to Nicole Trout. He worked as a manager at Casey’s, where he was known for his dedication and work ethic. In his free time, Stephen enjoyed helping with kids’ events and working on cars, especially Ford Mustangs.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Nicole Trout; his parents, Steve and Cleta Sullivan; his children Samara Jones, Isaac Jones, Sebastian Jones, Skyler Zellers, Zach Zellers, and Genevieve Jones; his sister, Amber Kendall; and his great-uncle, Wallace Waddell.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wayne and Pauline Jones; paternal grandparents, James and Columbine Sullivan; and his brother, Andy Sullivan.