Elias R. "Bob" Stephens , 87Elias R. "Bob" Stephens, Jr. 87, of North Liberty, Iowa passed away on February 8, 2017. Bob was born on March 16, 1929 in Sioux City, Iowa, the sixth child of Elias and Josephine Stephens. He was a 1947 graduate of Central High School in Sioux City. He earned an undergraduate degree from Morningside College, a Master's Degree from Drake University and a PhD from the University of Iowa. Bob served on the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Iowa from 1966-1971. He then served as a Professor in the Department of Education Policy and Planning at the University of Maryland from 1971-1994. His primary research and development work focused on the areas of educational service agencies and rural education. Although he retired as an Emeritus Professor from the University of Maryland in 1994, his research and writing continued. He was very involved in supporting the mission of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA). Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, his parents and five siblings. Survivors include his two children, Douglas Stephens of Chicago, IL and Jane (David) Collins of Dunlap, IL; two grandchildren, Erica (Andrew) Cushing of Peoria, IL and John Collins of Redlands, CA. As requested by Bob, no services are planned. To leave a message of comfort and support for his family, please visit www.lensingfuneral.com. Donations in his memory may be directed to the AESA Foundation located at 4031 FM 1463 Road, Suite 40-282, Katy, TX 77494.