Stephen Neal Blackwell
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On Thursday, September 15, 2022, Stephen Neal Blackwell, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away. He was 67. Born to Richard and Dorothy Blackwell, Steve graduated from Concordia High School in 1973. He served in the US Army as a medic from 1976 to 1978. He was a proud veteran and continued to support the military. He earned his BS in Psychology from The University of Kansas and later earned his MBA from Baker University. Steve worked for Kansas Foundation for Medical Care for 29 years and later worked for Sunflower Health Plan and KDHE.
Steve was an active part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He attended many of their activities and organized fun and unique games at family gatherings such as firecracker baseball, water balloon races and ice cream eating contests.
Steve met Jeanie Brown in 1995 and they married in 2007. Along with Jeanie, he is survived by his daughters Stephanie (Jim) Keller, Erica (Nate) Hill, Barclay Hagen, Brianne (Casey) Cook, grandchildren Kobe, Madelyn, Kaden, Harleigh, Mason, Cayman, Mikah, Grayson, Brogan, Kiyana and Brittyn along with several nieces and nephews.
Steve loved history, different eras of music and working on the family farm in Aurora. Most of all, he loved Jesus and took the opportunity to share his faith with those around him. He glorified Jesus by the life he lived. Steve helped and encouraged others and made everyone feel welcome and important. His altruism will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of countless people.
Visitation will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence on Friday, September 23 at 10 a.m. with Catholic Mass to follow. A graveside service will be held at Saint Peters Cemetery in Aurora, KS on Saturday, September 24 at 11 a.m. In honor of Steve’s passion for history and helping children, donations may be sent to O’Connell Youth Ranch, 1646 N 1320 Road, Lawrence, KS 66046 or Nicodemus National Historic Society, 611 5th Street, Bogue, KS 67625 in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Garth and I were saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. Steve was always so kind and caring when we spoke with him, and I know he was a wonderful husband, father, and family man. He will be missed. We send our prayers and condolences to all of you. Enid
Our family was sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. Condolences and prayers.
Words seem so feeble
in moments like these.
Life is so precious,
and death is such a thief.
The depths of the pain
I cannot comprehend,
but friends will stand alongside you
in the darkness.
I did not know Steve but I do know you, and although I’m just a distant acquaintance Jeanie, that does not subdue my sadness for your loss. My prayers will be with you.
I only worked with Stephen for about a year and a half at KDHE, but I will thoroughly miss him. I very much enjoyed all the conversations he and I had, which were unfortunately limited at times due to our Covid-related hybrid work schedules. But literally every time we talked, he went out of his way to let me know how truly and honestly interested he was in hearing about places I’ve been, things that interested me, even the little details of my life, my pets, my little home-improvement projects, whatever happened to be going on. He didn’t have to do that. He did it because it’s who he genuinely was. May God Bless Stephen and his family.
Stephen was such a pleasure to be around. He was such a sweet, upbeat guy. When our department changed to a hybrid (then to fully remote) work from home schedule due to COVID, I had weekly virtual Teams meetings to help him with IT related questions. I always looked forward to those meetings because we would end up commiserating over pets, diet, careers, travel, and family. When we were in the office our cubicles were next to each other and he always had the kindest things to say about people and life. My thoughts go out to the family he loved and always talked about with such pride. Stephen’s passing is such an enormous loss to everyone who knew him.
Our condolences for your loss. I knew Steve from family friends, church and the gym. He was Very nice guy who was spoke with pride about his family. We are really going to miss him.
Praying for your comfort and peace during this unimaginable time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies.
I always have enjoyed seeing the family photos and have been so impressed how involved you were in your grandchildren’s lives. What a wonderful family. So very sorry for your loss. Why does it seem that it is always the very best among us who go too young?
Erica, I’m so sorry. Peace to you and your family.
RIP Steve. You were always a pleasure to be around. So sweet, kind and caring. You will be missed. Praying for all of Steve ‘s family and friends.
Jeanie and family, condolences on your loss. I pray your sweet memories will help ease your sorrow.
Jeanie, Brianne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and trust that you will draw strength from each other during this difficult time.
Jeannie and Family, Jody Casad Chatam and Jerry are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loving husband Steve. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanie and family we are so very sorry to hear this. Our hearts are broken for you all. I will never forget the car ride to canoe and Steve didn’t think I was a very good driver.
Thinking of you Jeanie and family. You have such a strong loving family to help each other through this sad time
My cousin Steve was a great father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. I was a ring bearer at his parent’s wedding in Aurora, Kansas.
He was a great family man and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. He will be truly missed.
Jeanie and family…our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today and in the days ahead. May precious memories you made together always bring you warmth and comfort.
I am so saddened by this new! Steve was truly a class person who loved his children and everything about them. We would have countless conversations about how they were doing whenever we would meet. Such a positive and insightful person during every meeting. As time went on, I considered him more of a friend during our exchanges. He will surely bemissed by all.
We are so sad to hear about Steve’s passing. I will always remember his big smile and how proud he was of his kids and grandchildren. He will surely be missed. Our prayers and love go out to Jeanie and the family.
Love,
Heather and Brad Jones
Rick and I always enjoyed many happy visits with Steve and Jeanie. Rick and Steve always enjoyed discussing a variety of topics. Oftentimes, Jeanie and I would disappear and find them later–still “chatting” away! They bonded over many stories, including Steve’s adventures on his family farm. Rick especially liked hearing about his greenhouse project. RIP, Steve–you will be sorely missed!
I didn’t “know” Steve, but I knew he was a wonderful person through Brianne. I do have a memory of him that comes to my mind often: he and Jeanie kneeling together in church. I have that confident hope that his soul is rejoicing with the Savior before Whom he knelt that Sunday. May his memory be eternal!
Steve was one of the first “grown ups” I met when we moved to Lawrence. I was in 5th grade and spent a lot of time at their house, he always made me feel welcome. I remember Steve working out at the gym, helping with homework & making sure we always had a healthy meal. I honestly think dinner at their house is why I like peas! He was always very supportive, even when Erica and I made a mess with our science fair project!
Fast forward to the past couple of years, he was so kind to everyone around him. He could be seen volunteering in the kitchen at Corpus..maybe washing dishes or doing whatever was needed! Steve, you will be missed by many.
Steve and Jeanie were next door neighbors to a professor emerita at KU. I was the executor and trustee for the professor’s estate. It was such a comfort knowing that Steve and Jeanie were next door. Every morning Steve would retrieve the Journal World from the curb and place it up next to the lady’s front door so she didn’t need to venture far on cold and icy mornings to collect her newspaper. There were many acts of kindness and civility. Steve made my job as an absentee executor much easier. I had just emailed Steve about a possible rendezvous for Late Night at the Phog. What a gut punch his death is for me. Jeanie, I extend to you my heartfelt sorrow.
Jeanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts. May his memory be a blessing.
Jeanie, we are so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Sending you peace and love.
Steph, our heart breaks for you and your family. We know how much family and faith means to you. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you all and and give you peace and understanding to make it through this difficult time. We are all here for you in whatever you may need. Lots of love and prayers.
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of you, Stephanie, and Keri playing volleyball and spending time together. Steve was always so wonderful to be around. What a great guy!
Steve was in my class at Concordia High School. I do not recall ever seeing Steve without a smile on his face and a positive word coming out of his mouth. The Concordia Class of ‘73 lost a good man. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved Steve.
Rick and I always enjoyed many happy visits with Steve and Jeanie. Rick and Steve always enjoyed discussing a variety of topics. Oftentimes, Jeanie and I would disappear and find them later, still “chatting” away! They bonded over many stories, including Steve’s adventures on his family farm. Rick especially liked hearing about his greenhouse project. RIP, Steve–you will be sorely missed!
A close friend of mine had the good fortune of living next door to Steve and Jeanie. She was quite elderly. Each morning Steve would fetch her Journal World from the curb and place it at her front door. He would stop by for a chat whenever he had the chance. These gestures meant a great deal to my friend. It meant more to me as the absentee executor and trustee. I always was relieved to know Steve and Jeanie were close by. Steve, people like you don’t come along very often. We are all better for having known you.
Steve was the “good neighbor” that we never lived by. He never forgot where he came from and knew where he was going. Our memory of Steve is the Good Guy who truly had time for others.
Jeanie, our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. We only met Steve a couple of times, but we enjoyed a fun evening on our boat a few years ago. May the memories you shared together bring you comfort.
What a darling husband, Jeanie! I didn’t know Steve, but my heart aches for you during this time of profound loss. My sincere condolences…praying for you and your lovely family! 🙏🏼 🌹🙌🏼 ♥️
John, Leslee & families
Sending thought and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Love Melody
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I worked with him several years at Sunflower & he was the kindness and most enjoyable coworker. I feel blessed to have known him. Sincerest sympathy to all of his loved ones and friends.
Jeanie and family-
Nancy and I are so sorry for your loss. When I first met Steve 35 years ago, we became instant friends. When we talked recently and he shared what was going on with him, we agreed to pray for each other’s needs. During his years at KFMC, he was such a great help to me. I specifically remember that he had such a big heart for anyone “down and out,” or in need.
We will continue praying for you and your family.
Brianne, Casey and family,
Words cannot express how saddened I was to hear of your loss.
May all your happy memories bring you peace and comfort during this sad time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My wife and I were first introduced to Stephen and Jeanie a few years years ago by a mutual friend. What a nice person Stephen was. We always enjoyed seeing Stephen and Jeanie at get togethers. This is a tough loss for everyone, especially their family.
I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss. Prayers that your memories stay vivid and you find lots of peace and comfort in them..
Stephanie, Erica and family, I’m so sorry for your loss of your father. I offer you and your family my deepest sympathies, love and prayers.
Praying for your comfort and peace during this tremendous loss. I am heartbroken for you and everyone who knew Steve. He brought so much light into the world. I worked with Steve at Sunflower and am thinking back on his laughter, kindness, funny stories, gifts of food, and absolute commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him…. and he certainly did.
Jeanie Stephanie Erica & Family
I am saddened & heartbroken to hear of your loss of a kind and caring husband father & grandfather. I know that y’all are extremely saddened and will miss him. Personally I will miss the conversation we had at the health club.
May Peace & Comfort find and be with Y’all during these tough times
I was shocked and saddened when I heard that Steve had passed. I spoke with him nearly every day for the past few years at the gym. He was a kind, caring person. I always enjoyed our conversations. So sorry for your loss.
Jeanie and family, we were so saddened to hear of your loss. We offer condolences and will keep you in our prayers,
Elaine and Terry Rethman
Jeanie, I am so very sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. The video is a beautiful testimony in music and images of a life well lived, filled with love. May you and your family find solace and comfort in each other’s eyes and arms. I send love and light to you and to all of your family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I always enjoyed visiting with Steve at the gym and keeping up with the family. May he rest in peace.
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s loss. May you all find peace and strength for the days ahead, and comfort in the memories that you share as his loved ones.
I’m saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. I grew up next to him in Aurora. We played house and went on vacation one year to South Dakota with the Blackwell’s. I lost track of him pretty much after high school other than through his parents. He did good! Many prayers for his family.
Beautiful memories, Jeanie, thank you for this, a joyous tribute for both of you and your family. Blessings on this tough journey; you’re starting from a very love-enriched place.
My heart is broken to lose such a light, far too soon. I have so many fond memories of my childhood in his home, with his daughters. He always made everyone feel welcome. And no matter the drama of the day, that always comes with high school, Steve would say something with a twinkle in his eye that made everyone laugh. He was the coolest #girldad before being a #girldad was cool. Jeanie, Stephanie and Erica my heart bleeds for you, as I know his presence and laughter can never be replaced. Remember to look for the signs he sends you from heaven, for he will always be with you.