Stephen Paul Pryor

Stephen Paul Pryor, age 75, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2023 at his home. He was born on September 4, 1948 in Dallas, Texas to Guy and Etha Merle Pryor. Stephen graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in math and later completed a Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University. Stephen served 23 years in the United States Air Force as a Meteorologist and retired in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, Stephen and his family lived at air force bases around the country and world, but especially enjoyed their time in Hawaii at Hickam Air Force Base. After retiring, he went on to work in the private sector as a forensic meteorologist for AccuWeather. Stephen always loved talking about the weather and sharing his knowledge.

Stephen is preceded in death by his parents, his brother David, and his daughter Stephanie. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathryn, daughter Christina and her husband Gregory Comiskey, and grandchildren Camille and Charles of Shawnee, Kansas. He will be interred at a family burial plot at Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton, Iowa.

Stephen was a faithful Christian and he and Kathyrn were longtime members of First Evangelical Free Church in Wichita before moving to Shawnee in 2022 to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Stephen loved exploring the world with his wife on cruise ships, often accompanied by Kathryn’s sister and brother-in-law. Just this last February they traveled through the Panama Canal for the second time. He also loved watching baseball, reading history books on his Kindle, studying genealogy and spending time with his beloved family. Kathryn is grateful to God that the night before Stephen passed, Christina, Greg, and the kids had all gathered for dinner at their home, which had become a Monday night tradition. Right before leaving the house that night, Camille and Charlie both gave “Poppy Steve” a huge hug.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 15th at Christ Community Church of Olathe, followed by a service with military honors at 1:00 pm. For those unable to attend Stephen's services in person, CLICK HERE to view the livestream. There will be a light reception following the service, also at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wichita Union Rescue Mission , of which Stephen was a long-time supporter.