FIELDER, Stephen Howard "Steve" - b. August 18, 1944 - d. November 17, 2022

[patyrn]

Stephen Howard Fielder, age 78, of Longton, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his family on November 17, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born August 18, 1944 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Howard Hugh and Nannie Elizabeth (Holeman) Fielder. 

Steve attended and graduated from the Fort Scott schools and went on to further his education attending Iola Junior College in Iola, Kansas for two years and then receiving a Bacherlor's degree in Education from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.  He married Flora Mae Voorhees on July 7, 1968 in Nowata, Oklahoma.

Steve and Flora made their home in Longton, Kansas where Steve was employed as a Science teacher at Elk Valley High School for 29 years. He touched many lives in those 29 years as a teacher, sharing his love of snakes, plants, and all things science.  He was also very active in the community by serving two five-year terms on the city council, served as Mayor of Longton for 17 years, was a member of the Methodist Church, and sang with the Longton Gospel Singers.  He was a member of the Longton Boosters 4-H Club as a parent, judge, and poultry supervisor.  He also served on the Four County Mental Health Board for 30+ years, was the founding member of the Longton community garden and the Elk Valley School Garden, and was a contributor to the Prairie Star newspaper with his articles. 

Steve never met a stranger and was a happy and hardwroking man who provided for his family.  He loved talking and joking with all the health care workers that cared for him as his health deteriorated.  He was a huge fan of his loving wife, the Kansas City Chiefs, and their Chihuahua, Pedro, who spent hours on his lap over the past few years.  Stephen will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Flora of the home; two daughters, Stephanie (Richard) Babino of Wichita, Kansas and Sarah (Jason) Scates of Andover, Kansas; one sister, Beth (Jimmy) Slinkard OF Klamath Falls, Oregon; one brother, David (Lisa) Fields of Shell Knob, Missouri; grandchildren, Tanisha (Jacob) Riddle, Ashlyn Babino, Brock Scates, and Emma Scates; and great-grandchidlren, Nixa Riddle, Ezra Riddle, and Axel Riddle. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Nannie; his older brother, James Ray Rodrock; and a grandon, Tre Michael.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Longton, Kansas.  Stephen's Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Longton.  Burial will folllow at the Longton City Cemetery.  Memorials in Steve's memory may be made to the Elk County Free Fair Board and may be left with the Webb & Rodrick Chapel, 306 W. Main Street, Independence, Kansas 67301 which has been entrusted with arrangements.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.webbrodrickfuneralhome.com.

(taken from the Webb & Rodrick Chapel website)