Stoney Fenton Bogan, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Merriam, Kansas, on June 4, 2026.
Born on July 15, 1963, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Stoney was a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in Journalism. He was an active member of a fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. During his time at the University, he served as Celebrity Showcase Manager, helping coordinate special events and enjoying the opportunity to work with notable figures, including Sam Walton. He also worked as a radio disc jockey from 1982 to 1987. Throughout his career, he put his talent for storytelling and communication to work, including his work with Mission Magazine.
Following college, Stoney began his professional career with Walmart in 1982, serving in External Affairs until 1992. He then joined Westlake Ace Hardware, where he worked for more than 20 years. His role allowed him to travel throughout the country, building countless friendships and professional relationships that lasted a lifetime.
After his retirement from Westlake, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by launching a garage-and-man-cave design business. His passion for connecting people also led him to become deeply involved with Chambers of Commerce throughout Johnson County. He served as an ambassador for several chambers and was honored to be Chairman of the Board of the Northeast Johnson County Chamber in 2008. A few years later, he joined the NEJC Chamber as the Business Development Associate and advanced within the organization until his retirement in 2024.
Stoney’s accomplishments could fill a book, but among those he valued most was his deep love for the City of Merriam. He dedicated countless hours to community service, serving on numerous committees and organizations. He was especially proud of his 11 years as President of the Downtown Merriam Partnership, where he played a key role in supporting local businesses.
His professional and civic accomplishments were many, but his true legacy lies in his commitment to service and community. Stoney began serving as a first responder in 1984 and remained a lifelong supporter of fire and police departments. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and as the fire department’s official photographer, capturing the dedication and sacrifice of those who served. He was honored to help tell their stories through his photography.
Stoney was an active Rotarian who believed deeply in service to others. He was known for his warm smile, generous spirit, sense of humor, and ability to make friends wherever he went.
One of Stoney’s most memorable experiences was traveling to Ukraine as part of a delegation from the City of Prairie Village. During that trip, he formed lasting friendships with Ukrainians and remained in contact with many of them over the years. The relationships he built reflected his genuine interest in people and his belief that friendships could cross borders and cultures.
Stoney never wanted to see anyone go without. Though he rarely spoke of it, he quietly helped countless people over the years. Whether paying for someone’s admission to an event, helping a family through a difficult time, or making sure local food pantries had enough to share with those in need, recognition was never the goal; it was his generosity that guided him.
A lifelong Razorback fan, Stoney proudly carried his Arkansas roots with him throughout his life. His favorite color was always red, a reflection of his love for the Razorbacks and what he considered the color of love. Stoney especially loved classic cars, and his favorite was a red Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible. Few things brought him more joy than talking about cars, attending car shows with his children, and admiring a beautifully restored classic.
Stoney also had a lifelong love of ice cream, often enjoying vanilla cones with a beautiful sunset view. As a child, he visited the ice cream plant his father worked at nearly every day, creating memories he cherished throughout his life. He remained a fan of simple pleasures; especially vanilla ice cream shared with his family and friends.
Above all else, Stoney loved his children. He was immensely proud of Jessica and Stoney Maguire and the adults they had become. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching them grow from their own journeys and the ability to meet and connect with people from all walks of life. Celebrating their accomplishments was the highlight of any day. His love for them was constant, and he considered being their father one of the greatest blessings of his life.
Stoney is survived by daughter, Jessica Bogan; son, Stoney Maguire Bogan; Mathew Knauer, brother of Jessica and Stoney Maguire; fiancée, Patty Spencer; the mother of his children, Rose Hast; brothers, Jay Bogan and wife Deanna, and Jeff Bogan and wife Kimmie; nieces and nephews, Jackson, Harrison, Maggie, and Tiffany; and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Stoney will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, humility, loyalty, community involvement, love of family, passion for classic cars, unwavering Razorback pride, and quiet generosity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through friendship, service, compassion, and love.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Stoney’s life on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, Kansas)
The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m.
In honor of Stoney’s lifelong love of the Razorbacks and his favorite color, guests are encouraged to wear red.
Attire is casual — think “going to the park” casual — and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair as family and friends gather to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.
The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
JCCC offers both Fire Science and Emergency Medical Science (EMS) educational programs.
Make a Donation to the JCCC Foundation, Johnson County Community College.
From volunteering or making a donation, to legacy giving and donating toys, there are a lot of ways you can support Arkansas Children’s.
Jessica and Stoney Maguire would like everyone to know that their dad has left them a lasting legacy as a catalyst for making a difference in the world. They take great pride in the life he lived, the example he set, and his passion for human connection. Inspiring others to give back and show up for their communities came naturally, but above all else, his children are proud to be catalysts in their own lives.