Stephan Laverne Timm

Stephan (Steve) LaVerne Timm of rural Paola, Kansas passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  Steve was born in Paola, Kansas on February 15, 1956 to LaVerne and Cleta (Stephens) Timm.

Steve grew up in Paola and graduated from Paola High School in 1974.  That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Christopher and joined the United States Air Force serving as an Avionics Instrument System Technician in Little Rock, Arkansas.  During his time with the Air Force, he also earned his private pilot’s license. After his honorable discharge from the military, he began his 37 year career with the United Telephone Company, retiring in 2017.

Steve came to know Jesus as a young adult and maintained a strong faith for the rest of his life.  He served as the song leader of Faith Baptist Church in Osawatomie for many years and was active in many other church activities including children’s ministry.  He was very willing to share his faith and over the years led many individuals to Christ.  He was confident that he would be called home to Heaven some day and lived without fear of the future.

Steve may have been best known for his sense of humor and boisterous story telling; he could spin a tale and those tales would often become more and more elaborate with time.  He knew no stranger and was quick to help those around him or just strike up a conversation.  He took great joy in being around others whether it be at the local coffee shop, going to watch a country music show, or dressing up to play Santa.  Steve also enjoyed woodworking and was great at any handyman task imaginable.  His most recent accomplishment was the chicken coop he built for his grandchildren.  The chickens quickly became his “baby girls” and he loved taking care of them.  Steve was incredibly proud of his five grandchildren and enjoyed attending their various school and sporting events.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

Steve is survived by his daughters: Shannon (David) Ratley of Gardner, Kansas and Staci (Kevin) Berger of Garnder, Kansas, grandchildren: Addisen Ratley, Brayden Ratley, Amelia Berger, Nathen Ratley, and Ava Berger, former spouse and close friend: Sharon (Charles) Schmidt of Paola, Kansas, siblings: Marcia (Phil) Christy, Debra Lyons, Patricia Parsons, Sandra (Kevin) Wing, Connie (Roy) Perrigo, Delores Brandt, Barbara Gregg, Beverly Chapman, and Robert (Colleen) Timm, and many nieces and nephews.

Per Steve’s wishes, there will be no visitation.  However, those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Wednesday, December 20 from 8 am to 5 pm at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home.

Graveside with Military honors will be Thursday, December 21st 11 am at Hillsdale Cemetery in Hillsdale, KS.