Stephen Willard Murphy Brown

Stephen Willard Murphy Brown passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 27, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Stephen was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Karen Ruth Johnson and Willard Roy Murphy on February 14, 1962. When Stephen was four years old, his father passed away suddenly. His mother later remarried, and Danny Robert Brown adopted Stephen and his siblings, becoming Stephen Willard Brown.

Soon after, the family moved to Huntington Beach, California, where Stephen developed his love of sunshine and the outdoors. California never left his heart. After the family returned to Kansas City, Stephen attended Washington High School and Kansas City Kansas Community College before attending Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in printing.

Stephen spent his entire career in the printing industry, including owning his own printing business, Pro K Graphics, and working for companies in the Kansas City area, including Stouse and Sericol/Fujifilm. He also worked in California for GTI before returning to Kansas City to be closer to family. His passion was plant management, but he succeeded in many areas of the industry, including sales later in his career. He retired in April 2023 and enjoyed every day of retirement.

Stephen had two children who were his pride and joy. He took them on countless adventures, including camping, kayaking, RV trips to national parks, and Disney trips—anywhere he could take them and make memories together.

In 2017, Stephen married Jennifer, and together they lived life and loved each other to the fullest. They purchased an RV together and began exploring the country, traveling from Maine to California and many places in between. Some of their favorite places included the North Shore of Minnesota, kayaking every summer in southern Missouri, New England in the fall, and the mountains of Colorado.

The Kansas City Chiefs have never had a fan quite like Stephen. No matter what state he lived in, the Chiefs were his team. As soon as he could, he bought season tickets. After 38 years of attending games, he had missed only TWO home games. No matter the weather, the temperature, or the Chiefs’ record, Stephen was there, cheering them on. In February 2020, he followed the Chiefs to Miami to witness in person his beloved team win Super Bowl LIV—their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.

Stephen is survived by his wife of nine years, Jennifer Brown of Overland Park; daughter Stephanie Brown of Leavenworth; son Jordan Brown of Overland Park; stepdaughters Paige David (Warren) and Claire Mayer (LJ) of Wichita. He is also survived by seven grandchildren through Jennifer: Charlotte Feil, Pierce, River, Willow, and Forrest Mayer; and Quinn and Isla David. He is also survived by his mother, Karen R. Brown of Olathe; sisters Suzanne Gordon (Mark) of Meriden and Cindy Gellhaus (Greg) of Olathe; and brother David Brown of Trenton, Missouri; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by both of his fathers, Willard Roy Murphy and Danny Robert Brown.

A celebration of life will be held at Wyandotte County Lake Park in the James P. Davis Hall, on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:00 am. A light lunch will be served immediately following. Please feel free to dress casually, as we all know how Stephen loved his shorts and flip-flops.

Directions to James P. Davis Hall