Stephen C. Funk

The incredible life of Stephen C. Funk came to an end suddenly on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, his beloved hometown. He sought throughout his life to follow the model of his gentle, loving and twinkly-eyed father, traveling salesman Merle Funk. Likewise, his brilliant and hilarious mother, Helen Fern Funk mentored his dry sense of humor and love of family, art, cooking and gardening.

Steve loved his family more than his 42-year career which he adored. Family came first. Before she became his wife, Margo captured Steve at an Indian Hills pool party where she danced in bare feet standing atop his shoes to avoid spilled soda. Together they have been a team of faith, travel, and community for 53 years.

A blessing for which Steve was especially thankful was the privilege of having grandchildren. He prioritized as many of their games, performances, meets and programs as possible. He was equally proud of all, appreciating and adoring Finley, Landrey, Lincoln, Whitley, and Emeri in their own way. These little souls brought him unparalleled joy. He told stories of their pursuits and sweet lives to all his friends. His greatest joy was teaching them the traditions of Christmas and Loving people well.

Their parents are Steve’s two sons, Evan and Ethan. Parenting became his priority in life. He knew he was strict and overly cautious but it was all out of love with an eye on providing them with the best life. Teaching the values of hard work, honesty, loyalty, fairness and love motivated his every waking moment.

A graduate of North High, Wichita State University and Washburn University School of Law, Steve held onto friendships for life, like with John Pike, Tim Alexander, Mark Campbell and Robin Meyers. He added another new set of friends when he began his career in El Dorado, Kansas at Walnut Valley State Bank and Trust.

Through hard work, Steve rose in position there quickly. In May of 1987, he was elected President and COO of that bank and led it for his trusted friend and mentor, Mr. Clifford Stone. It expanded exponentially during Steve’s long tenure. His first professional love was the financial services business. He said of himself that he was just an average guy, but that was a typical humble depiction. In truth, Steve was a born leader gifted with exceptional talents and skills.

Notably, he was also an excellent manager of people and skilled in HR. A big picture guy, he was not controlled by detail. Steve believed in, trusted and mentored many people who had great potential. Most important of all, Steve was 100% trustworthy. And loyal. He worked many nights at the bank.

In its history, Steve became Walnut Valley Bank’s most involved person in the El Dorado and Butler County communities. Over 40 years, he was President, Chair or team leader of over 25 organizations within civic involvement. In addition, he stepped into the life of a lonely, childless client whose trust he administered at the bank. For 40 years, he combed this person into his world. Eventually, Steve was asked to shepherd and preserve a stunning, world-renowned garden of rare, beautiful iris. He was President of the garden and the Graham Foundation during and after the death of his friend, who considered him like a son.

Steve Funk simply had a steel trap mind and a head for business. He read people very well and weathered challenging work relationships alongside countless successful, lasting partnerships. He leaves behind many cherished colleagues who became lifelong friends. A key lesson Steve learned through serious decision-making and negotiations is that the best defense is a good offense.

And that leads to sports, Steve’s pastime since he was a young boy. He was a devotee of every possible game played by, in order, the Kansas City Chiefs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Wichita State Shockers, Kansas City Royals and NASCAR. He loved the competition and strategy as well as reliving and analyzing each game -including the questionable refereeing - with his two sons and his band of sports loving buddies, Ray Connell, Bill Ronan, the late Tom Murry, Mark Utech, and Mark Heidebrecht.

Steve Funk represented Americana at its best, a devoted lover of freedom and a patriot citizen. He is survived by his adoring wife of 53 years, Margo; son Evan with wife Angie and children Finley, Landrey and Whitley of Wichita; son Ethan with wife Lori and children Lincoln and Emeri, of Parkville, MO. Preceding Steve in death are his parents, Merle and Helen Fern Funk, and sister Joan Lee Confessori. Steve had a myriad of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and with whom he spent considerable time. They left him with stories and memories lasting his entire life. Joining them are scores of friends, extended adoring family members and his beloved dachshund, Jack.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with:

Clyde and Helen Graham Foundation, Inc.
10203 E. Churchill St.
Wichita, KS 67206

Eastminster Presbyterian Church
1958 N. Webb. Rd
Wichita, KS 67206