Lay Stephen-David to Rest: A Community Effort

If you ever crossed paths with Stephen-David you probably remember his prayers, his spontaneous songs, or that wild flash of insight he’d drop when you least expected it.

He was Spirit-led in all he did—interceding with boldness, encouraging with joy, and carrying a fire that couldn't be mistaken. Now, we have the chance to honor that legacy—to bring him home and lay him to rest beside his beloved parents, Al and Audrey Lintner, where he belongs.

Who He Was

In his young adult years, he worked on antique cars, photographed backroad diners, quoted Bob Dylan lyrics, and talked dreamily about Paris in the 1920s. He was eccentric, curious, and always a little offbeat—drawn to beauty in overlooked places and people.

You may have known him as Stephen Daniel Lintner in those days, or as David Jeremiah Bowden later on. By any name, he was a man whose life became ministry in motion. He gave freely—his presence, his gifts, and his belief that everyone was worthy of love.

How He Lived

Stephen-David didn’t just care—he carried people. He’d ask, “Who’s hurting in your life?” and write down their names. He kept them in a jar—a sacred, scribbled collection of strangers and friends—tended with care and held in daily prayer.

He was always tinkering with used bikes, getting them ride-ready, then passing them along to people whose journeys had gotten a little harder.

He handed out zines filled with encouragement and wisdom—the kind you didn’t know you needed until it showed up in your hand. And he’d sing—silly or beautiful songs made up on the spot about you, your name, your essence, your heart.

His prayers were steady. His songs, wildly timed. His presence, unmistakable. If you were near him, you knew you mattered. You felt it.

A Life Transformed

Stephen-David often spoke of having a “God wake-up”—a turning point that changed everything. From that moment on, he lived with fearless devotion, fully devoted to Christ, to prayer, and to loving others with radical compassion and truth.

He became a devout and outspoken teacher, committed to Scripture and unafraid to speak boldly about faith. Though he lived simply—an ascetic by choice—he did so with vibrancy and care. He stayed active, ate mindfully, and honored the body God gave him. And he did it all with style: a fedora here, a neckerchief there—a flash of pizazz that made him unmistakably himself.

“He lived 100 percent for Christ—as close to that as any man could.”

Why We’re Asking for Help

Stephen-David passed with few possessions and no immediate family to make burial arrangements. But he leaves behind a wide, loving community—extended family, people he ministered to, befriended, laughed with, prayed with, and lifted up.

This is a community effort—a collective chance to honor the man who so often showed up for others. We’re coming together to ensure he is laid to rest with the dignity and love he gave so freely.

“Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.”

(Matthew 10:41)

The Plan

Stephen-David’s ashes will be flown from Florida to New Jersey, where he’ll be interred alongside his beloved parents, Al and Audrey Lintner, at the historic Quaker burial ground in Haddonfield—a place rooted in both faith and family. Many in the community knew and loved Al and Audrey, and it’s fitting that Stephen-David’s journey ends in their presence.

A celebration of life is already being planned in Lake Wales, Florida, where Stepehen-David passed. It will be livestreamed so friends near and far can join in honoring his memory. A small graveside service will also take place in New Jersey.

Your donation will help make all of this possible—covering the burial, memorial marker, shipping, celebration setup, and the technical support needed to share the gathering with those who can’t attend in person.

What Your Gift Will Support:

Burial at Quaker cemetery: $750

Grave opening: ~$400

Memorial foot marker: $1,200

Shipping of ashes to New Jersey: ~$300

Celebration of life setup, livestream, and light refreshments in Florida: ~$400

Setup for graveside service in New Jersey: ~$300

Contingency/honorarium: ~$150

Total Goal: $3,500

Honoring His Legacy

If we surpass our goal, all remaining funds will be donated to Mission Teens, Inc.—a place David deeply loved and believed in. This non-denominational Christian discipleship ministry helps individuals find healing and hope through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Supporting them in his name would be a blessing.

missionteens.com

Join Us

Even $5 makes a difference. Whether you give $10, $25, $50—or simply share the link—you’re helping carry Stephen-David home with dignity.

With love and quiet thanks from Susan Doherty Bishop, David Collins, Heather Mashal, and Melissa Hallock—four friends from different chapters of Strphen-David’s life, who found each other and came together to help carry him home.