STEPHEN MORRIS

STEPHEN MORRIS Stephen R. Morris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2025, with his loving wife, Barb, at his side. His life was marked by integrity, service, and a steadfast commitment to doing what was right. A man defined by purpose, duty, and unwavering integrity, Steve devoted his life to serving his country, his community, and his faith. Born on January 4, 1946, in Garden City, Kansas, Steve was raised on the family farm southwest of Hugoton by his parents, Harry and Mary Beth. He attended the one-room Good Luck Country School through eighth grade; and graduated from Hugoton High School in 1964. Inspired by the aircraft that often roared over his rural schoolhouse, Steve pursued both agriculture and aviation. He attended Kansas State University, where he majored in Agriculture Economics and joined Air Force ROTC. After graduating in 1969, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and began pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, embarking on a 22-year career with the United States Air Force. During his service, Steve piloted EC-121 and KC-135 aircrafts; and completed two tours, flew over 150 combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He was known for his courage, composure, and leadership under pressure. Later, as a liaison officer for the United States Air Force Academy, he mentored and guided young Kansans pursuing military service. He retired as a Major, having served his country with honor. In 1974, Steve and Barb returned home to Hugoton to help manage the family farm. His deep connection to the land mirrored his sense of duty to community. That same spirit of service led him into public life. Over the next several decades, Steve served sixteen years on the USD 210 Board of Education and twenty years in the Kansas State Senate, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Senate President. Among his proudest accomplishments were leading the restoration of the Kansas State Capitol and championing the Kansas Engineering Initiative. His commitment to education earned him the induction into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame and the Phil Lewis Award of Excellence from the Kansas Bar Association. He also served as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, representing over 7500 members from across the nation. Steve's life was shaped by faith, humility, and a quiet strength. He believed in leading by example, working hard, and always doing what was righteven when it wasn't easy. Those who knew him will remember his calm wisdom, dry wit, and deep love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Beth, and brother Gregory. He is survived by his wife, Barb; daughters, Stephanie Heger (Chris), Susan Morris, Sara Beth Tasset (Phil) grandchildren; Christian, Kathryn, Gavin, Griffin Heger, Alec Mikolajczak, Savannah and Paul Tasset, sisters: Jana Morris and Elinor Findley, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Steve's life will be held at the Hugoton Methodist Church on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Dr. Dustin Petz presiding. The service will be live streamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will be at the Hugoton Cemetery immediately following with military rites conducted by Altus Air Force Base Honor Guard and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at Garnand Funeral Home in Hugoton on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Pheasant Heaven Charities, Kansas 4-H and Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St., Hugoton, KS 67951. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com. Steve was a great example of what every man should strive to be. He lived a life devoted to God, family, and service. His journeyfrom the Kansas plains to the skies of Southeast Asia to the halls of state governmenttells the story of a man who gave his best to everything he touched. His example will continue to inspire generations to come.