Stephen Wesley Thomas

Stephen Wesley Thomas, 64, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on February 19, 2026. Born December 25, 1961, Stephen will be remembered as a kind-hearted, honest man with a positive attitude that stayed with him through every season of life. From the steady way he carried himself to the care he showed others, he leaves a legacy of quiet strength and genuine decency.

Stephen attended Hugoton High and later earned a degree in music education from Fort Hays State. His love of music was not simply an interest—it was a lifelong companion, shaping the way he worked, the way he connected with people, and the way he found joy in ordinary days.

Stephen began his career teaching music at Hugoton Elementary and in Perryton, Texas. In later years, he worked many years in the aviation and printing industries, bringing the same reliability and integrity to every role he held.

Outside of work, Stephen embraced life with curiosity and good humor. He was a pretty good golfer (says everyone but him), and he loved music—especially Alice Cooper. He enjoyed musicals and the outdoors, finding happiness in hiking, biking, ziplining, and, most recently, paddle boarding.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lewis Thomas; his mother, Dorothy Earline Lackey; and his brother, John Thomas.

He is survived by his partner, Regena Shields; his daughter, Cady Cosette Stanley; his brothers, Clinton Thomas (Kris), Alan Thomas (Carol), and Gary Thomas (Marcy); and his grandsons, Oliver Stanley and Jace Bonner.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sedgwick County Park, Plum Building, 6501 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205, on April 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.