Steven Whynn DeWerff

Steven Whynn DeWerff, 61, of Ellinwood, Kansas, passed away on October 11, 2016, at his home in Rohnert Park, California. Steve was born in Ellinwood, Kansas, to Bessie and Kenneth DeWerff on July 4, 1955. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1973, and attended Pittsburg State University. He returned to Ellinwood in 1974, where he worked in farming, ranching, welding, and oilfield services. He later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he worked for Boeing Aircraft and Cessna Aircraft in aircraft tool construction for many years. Steve battled type one diabetes for the majority of his life, and later held a series of jobs and roles, as his disease and its resulting disabilities progressed. He nonetheless obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Newman University in Wichita, Kansas in 2003. Steve was a devoted Christian and member of the First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, Kansas. He was also involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Wichita, Kansas. Steve’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved to laugh, and to make people laugh. Steve knew the lyrics to virtually every “oldies” song, and loved to sing. He loved classic rock the best. Steve was always up for a long conversation. And he loved the Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals. His beloved Wildcats won the football game the week Steve passed away. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth DeWerff. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Claudia DeWerff; his children, Emily Ridder (Jason) of Wichita, Kansas, Mackenzie Martin (Todd) of Dallas, Texas, Megan Williams (Jason) of Perth, Australia, and Corey Schwerdt of Rohnert Park, California; his mother, Bessie DeWerff; his siblings, Linda Borror (Barry) of Ellinwood, Kansas, Jeff DeWerff (Sherry) of Ellinwood, Kansas, and Jane Thier (Greg) of Wichita, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Graham Ridder and Ari Martin. Pallbearers will be Mike Mildfelt, Pat Watkins, Greg Thier, Chris Chaney, Don DeWerff, Corey Schwerdt, and, posthumously, Glen Young and Scott Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 5:30 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, Kansas, with Pastor Dave Wesner officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kansas. Arrangements are being made by Adobe Creek Funeral Home in Petaluma, California, and by Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association. Steve’s family would like to sincerely thank Hospice of Petaluma, and Dr. Linda Francisco of Wichita, Kansas.

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