Steven E. Purdy

Steven Edward Purdy was born February 18, 1969, in Wichita, Kansas, the youngest child of Clifford and Betty Jo Purdy.

In 1972, Steven came to live in the foster home of Craig and Roma Roebke in Marion,

Kansas. As a result of his mother contracting rubella during pregnancy, Steven was born with limited vision and cognitive challenges. At the age of three, he did not yet talk, feed

himself, or dress himself. Through courage, determination, and the loving encouragement of those around him, Steven gradually learned these important skills. His placement with the Roebke family became a lifelong blessing, and he remained a beloved member of their family.

At the age of seven, Steven began attending the Kansas State School for the Visually Handicapped. While there, he participated in wrestling and track, earning numerous awards that reflected his remarkable endurance, determination, and hard work. He graduated in 1989.

After graduation, Steven joined the Independent Living Program at OCCK in Salina, Kansas. One of his favorite jobs was working at Love Box, where he helped with the process of making cardboard pizza circles. He took pride in his work and enjoyed being a part of the community.

Steven had an exceptional memory, especially for birthdays and anniversaries. He would call friends and family to wish them a happy birthday, often singing "Happy Birthday" to them himself. He showed genuine compassion when someone was ill, always wanting to know how they were doing and asking about their progress. When someone helped him, he remembered that kindness and would often mention it-never forgetting those who had shown him care.

Steven also loved history and sports, especially baseball. His remarkable ability to remember facts often led him to share bits of trivia. His knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm often surprised and delighted those around him.

In his own way, Steven helped those who knew him become more aware of the people and world around them. His presence brought opportunities to slow down, listen, remember, and appreciate the small things.

Steven always had a favorite topic or interest. As a young boy, he was fascinated by cowboys and Indians. As the years passed, his interests changed to deer, cardinals, and, finally, giraffes. These interests became a special part of who he was and gave those who loved him another way to connect with him.

Steven will be remembered for his determination, his remarkable memory, his love of sports and history, his compassion for others, and the unique interests that brought him joy. Most of all, he will be remembered as a treasured member of his family and as someone whose life touched many people in meaningful ways.

He is preceded in death by birth parents; his mom, Roma Roebke; and his foster brother, Larry McGahee.

Survivors include his dad, Craig Roebke of Lindsborg, Kansas; sister, Ruth Lorson (Aaron). of Virginia; foster brother, Kevin McGahee (Loraine) of Shawnee, Kansas; and nephews, Elijah, Caleb and Sterling Lorson.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 28, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

The family requests donations be made to OCCK in care of the funeral home.