Stephen Earl McPherson |1925-2021|

Pratt - Stephen Earl McPherson, 95, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021 at South Wind Home. He was born on December 12, 1925 in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, the fourth child, to Herbert Earl and Inez Pearl (Ratliff) McPherson. Stephen married Effie Irene (Marrs) McPherson on May 17, 1950 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She preceded him in death on June 29, 2014.
Stephen graduated from Fort Cobb High School in 1943. He lived in Fort Cobb where started and finished School. He spent 2 years and one month in the United States Navy during World War II on Manus Island in the Pacific (June 6, 1944 - June 26, 1946). He spent the next 4 years working around Ft. Cobb, playing baseball for Carnegie, Ft. Cobb and Oney, and refereeing basketball and camping. He attended Carnegie Junior College in 1948 - 1950 where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He met Irene at college and married the love of his life, Irene Marrs, on May 17, 1950. Steve attended Southwestern Oklahoma State and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, lettered in baseball, and received his Masters in Education Administration at Oklahoma University. He began working in education in 1951 at Oney, Ft. Cobb, and retired as elementary principal in Lamar, CO in 1989. Steve and Irene moved to Prague, OK and eventually moved to Pratt KS in 2016. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, and formerly of the VFW. He enjoyed his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, woodworking, ball games, and hunting.
He is survived by his son, Herb (Kristin) McPherson of Pratt; brother, Joe Swanda of Edmond, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; Jason (Vanessa) McPherson, Jennifer (Clayton) Smith, Lesli (Jamie) Baca, Kyle (Lara) McPherson, Zach Widener, Zeke (Emily) McPherson, Hannah (Cody) Barilla, and Leah (Trent) Befort and 19 great grandchildren.
Stephen is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Effie Irene McPherson; son, Mike McPherson (Karen); daughter, Stephanie Sands; brother, Raymond McPherson; and sisters, Alta Howry and Juanita Keyes.
Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book Monday, November 22, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at First Southern Baptist Church, Pratt with Pastor Steve Taylor presiding. Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2021 at Prague Cemetery, Prague, Oklahoma.
Memorials may be made to Skyline School Foundation or First Southern Baptist Church in care of Larrison Mortuary. Online condolences may be made at www.larrisonmortuary.com.