Louis Eugene Stein Jr. was born in Parsons, Kansas, on Dec. 10, 1949, the only son of Gwenneth Bernice (Mitchell) Stein and Louis E. Stein, Sr. Known to family and friends as “Louie,” he grew up in the family home on Morgan Avenue alongside his sisters, Carol Lynn and Christine Ann. In 1963, he won the regional Soap Box Derby and went on to compete at the International Championship in Akron, Ohio.
The Stein family worked side by side to grow multiple local businesses, including Serve-A-Car (SAC) Corporation, Louie’s Restaurant, and the Parsons Drive-In Theater, among others. From an early age, Louie developed a love for photography, film, water skiing, fishing, and deer hunting — passions that stayed with him throughout his life.
After graduating from Parsons High School in 1968, Louie enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His decision to enlist allowed him to serve in Korea near the DMZ rather than in Vietnam. Recognized early for his exceptional photographic skill, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and selected as an archival photographer, preserving images from the war that remain historically significant. His accomplished work can still be seen in Ken Burns’ PBS documentary The Vietnam War (2017). While stationed at Fort Ord after the war, he especially enjoyed riding his bike along the coast in Seaside, California.
Upon returning to Parsons, Louie enrolled at Labette County Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Technology. He served as Foreman of SAC Corporation for 20 years and, on weekends, could still be found at the drive-in theater — selling tickets, running the projector, and proudly serving what many agreed were the BEST popcorn and hotdogs in town.
In 1975, he married Vickie Czapansky Sears, and together they began building their family with the adoption of her daughter, Gennifer Lynn. In 1980, they joyfully welcomed their son, Michael Louis. Louie was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Elks Club during his years in Parsons.
In 1989, Louie became disabled and relocated to Topeka, Kansas, where he received outpatient services through the VA Hospital. In 2020, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to be closer to his daughter, and remained there until his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Vickie Stein of Dallas, Texas; his daughter, Gennifer and her husband, William “Scott” Bursik, of Richardson, Texas; his son, Michael and his wife, LeeAnn Myree Stein, of Parsons; his sisters, Christine Stein Lewis of Katy, Texas, and Carol Stein of Mt. Vernon, Washington; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Louie will be remembered for his steady work ethic, quiet determination, and deep devotion to his family. Whether behind a camera, at the projector booth of the drive-in, or simply gathered with those he loved, he carried himself with humility and purpose. The images he preserved, the businesses he helped build, and the family he cherished stand as lasting reflections of a life faithfully lived. His memory will remain in the stories we tell, the photographs we treasure, and the love that continues through generations.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons with Reverend Jennifer Dawson officiating. Burial will be in the Oswego Cemetery with Military Honors given by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wellness Fund at Iris Memory Care of Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
