Stephen Dale AustinBurlington, KS

“That man is a success - who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. Who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” - Unknown

Stephen “Steve” Dale Austin, 77, of Burlington, KS, passed away on March 10th, 2025 at his home in rural Burlington KS.  Steve was born in Newton, KS on September 15, 1947. He was the sixth and last child born to Oran and Flossie Austin.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents, and siblings Barbara-Jean Austin, Jimmy Austin, and Donna Kepley. His surviving siblings are Joanne Hutchinson of Altoona, KS, Doris Cannon of Wichita, KS, and brother-in-law William Kepley of Newton, KS. Steve was a polio survivor and one could surmise that set the trajectory for a life of hard work and perseverance.

In his memoir, Steve reflected that his life before his navy years could be split into two halves; life on the farm and life in Wichita, KS.  On a 160-acre farm located about halfway between Chanute and Fredonia, in southeast Kansas, Steve established his work ethic and love of animals.  In the summer of 1958, Steve and his family moved to Wichita KS where he attended Wichita East High School and developed his love of cars and organized sports. Steve would want you to know in a competition of brain vs brawn, he tended more towards being the brain and supporting the brawn.

Steve would go on to serve 6 years in the US Navy after high school.  He served on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise CVAN 65 during the Vietnam War.  After serving his country, Steve found his way back to Wichita KS with three goals in mind: buy a color TV, buy a shotgun, and get a motorcycle.  Little did he know that his life there would balloon beyond these simple dreams.

In 1971, Steve would go on to work for Kansas Gas and Electric as a meter reader in a temporary role.  Due to his solidified work ethic from the farm and the Navy, Steve turned a time of high unemployment and temporary work into a permanent position with KG&E. Steve would go on to enroll at Wichita State University and obtain a  Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering.

At the age of 27, he met Linda Audine Calvert in Wichita.  The two began a courtship and got married on August 2, 1975. This union would mark 50 years this year.

In 1977, The Austin’s moved to Burlington, KS during the construction of the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating plant.  Steve would spend his career years at Wolf Creek, eventually moving into a contractor role and retiring in November of 2015 at the age of 68.   Burlington would become where Steve and Linda put down roots as they built their home and raised their family. That family consisted of Shauna Marie of New Strawn, KS, and Chad Michael of Shawnee, KS.  As a family, they loved vacations, and many memories were made during those family trips.

The love of family vacations continued with the addition of grandchildren Tristan Michael Devening, and Brendan Lee Devening. It was always important to Steve that the opportunity to go on vacation extended beyond his biological family and included extended family and friends.  Steve loved the opportunity to share experiences of getaways and treat others to some time away. Some vacations of note would be traveling to National Parks, spending countless hours skiing, and exploring Vegas. Many of these trips were spent in the car listening to Steve’s mixtapes of hits from the 60s.

While at home in Burlington, you would find Steve at gymnasiums, ball fields, tracks, community theaters, and concerts supporting his family and his community.  Steve will be remembered as being present - a consistent figure seen supporting those competing around town.  Sports were a big part of Steve’s existence and he was a proud fan of Burlington High School, the WSU Shockers, the KC Chiefs, and even included the NY Yankees much to the chagrin of his KC Royals-loving family. He also appreciated live theater and supported his family and community as they performed on stage.

Steve is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Shauna (Jeremy), son Chad (Jessi), grandsons Brendan and Tristan, and loving dogs Duncan and Hank.  In addition, Steve is survived by numerous family members including his cousins who he enjoyed monthly lunches alongside. Steve will be remembered as a husband, family man, Vietnam Veteran, mentor, and Burlington’s own Stone Cold Steve Austin.

While we will lay his body to rest, his quirky sayings, dad jokes, and spirit will live on in those who were honored to share a life with him.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 15th at 11AM at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington, KS.  Lunch to follow at New Strawn Community Center. The family will be present and welcomes you to come celebrate the full life of Steve Austin.