Steven Vance Walker, 69, passed away on March 26, 2026, in Augusta, Kansas. He was born on September 5, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas, the only son of Loyd Kenneth and Veta Marie (Smith) Walker. Steve was the second of five children.
Steve spent his youth in Benton, Kansas and was no stranger to hard work. He started his first job at the age of 13 assisting a local farmer, working after school, weekends, and summers until he graduated from Circle High School in 1974. After getting some fatherly advice, Steve applied for a position with Beechcraft which remained his place of employment until he retired in 2019. Over his 45-year career, Steve worked in various positions and departments. His coworkers nicknamed him “Grasshopper” because of his very long legs when crouching inside an airplane. Steve had a great sense of humor, would often be telling a “punny” dad-joke, quoting movie lines that made him laugh (“Don’t call me Shirley.”), telling stories, and keeping the mood light and fun.
On October 9, 1982, Steve married Lora (Gurney) at the First Christian Church in Augusta, KS. They have two sons, Ryan and Drew. As a family, they spent quality time together no matter what they were doing. Some of their favorite memories include working in the garden, traveling to familiar and new places, boating, camping, kids’ sports and band/school events. Steve enjoyed finding and trying new recipes to make, watching Bruce Lee and comedy movies. One of Steve’s love languages was acts of service, and he was never too busy to help his kids learn how to repair things. His hands-on parenting continued after being promoted to Papa, as he also spent quality time with his grandkids.
Steve was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, Papa, and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Veta Marie, and his sister, Judy Leritz.
Survivors include his wife, Lora; sons Ryan (Kristi) Walker of Edmond, OK and Drew (Felicia) Walker of Wichita; sisters Connie Fox of El Dorado, Linda Walker of Towanda, Laurie Walker of Andover; grandchildren Cory, Thalia, Darrell, Zane, Henry, Kyler, and Sage Walker. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at First Christian Church, 1600 State Street, Augusta, Kansas. Private family inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Garden of Everlasting Life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church or Good Shepherd Hospice.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will be cherished forever.
