Stephen Fielder

Stephen Howard Fielder, 78, of Longton, Kansas passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Stephen’s Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at The United Methodist Church in Longton, Kansas with burial to follow at the Longton City Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the church. Memorials in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Elk County Free Fair Board and may be left with the Chapel.

Stephen was born August 18, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Howard Hugh and Nannie Elizabeth (Holeman) Fielder. He attended and graduated from Fort Scott, Kansas Schools and went on to further his education attending Iola Junior college for two years and then receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Emporia State University. Stephen married Flora Mae Voorhees on July 7, 1968, in Nowata, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Longton, Kansas where Stephen was employed as a Science teacher at Elk Valley High School for 29 years. He was also very active in the community by serving 2 five-year terms on the city council, he served as the Mayor of Longton for 17 years, 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 News Paper with his articles. Stephen touched many lives in his 29 years as a teacher in Longton sharing his love of snakes, plants and all things science.

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

Stephen never met a stranger and was a happy and hardworking 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. Stephen 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.

To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.