Stephen Dale Rhorer, 79, died February 14th, 2022, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born July 24th, 1942, in Hutchinson, to George Rhorer and Violet Hensley Rhorer. A true miracle baby, Steve was born prematurely at barely over two pounds and was frequently reminded by just how lucky he was to have survived.
Steve graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1960. He was a spectacular storyteller and often shared tales from his childhood in Hutchinson. He cherished times visiting with his father at the barbershop, watching his mother work at the dairy, and often recollected the paper route he worked which earned him enough spending money for sodas, candy and vinyl records. It was on this paper route that he first heard blues music, an event that would forever transform Steve into a lifelong blues fanatic. Throughout his life, Steve attended many concerts and festivals celebrating the blues, including a new-to-the-scene James Brown at the Apollo Theatre in New York and Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf in Chicago. He was also an avid music collector.
As a youth, Steve was involved in the Boy Scouts and would go on to become an Eagle Scout. As a young man, Steve attended Hutchinson Community College before joining the Air Force, and finally went on to finish a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Kansas. He was studious and achieved high marks from his professors, taking his education seriously. Steve served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966, serving in Germany as well as being stationed in Mississippi. When he could get off base, Steve fueled his love of blues music by attending concerts, visiting record stores and absorbing as much southern culture as possible. After his service and graduating from college, Steve went on to become a pharmacist and worked in the profession until retirement. He worked as the head pharmacist at Coberly’s Drug Store for decades and would go above and beyond to meet the needs of his clients.
On October 10th, 1970, he married Barbara Kirkbride in Hutchinson, after falling in love on a blind date. Before the date, Barbara’s friend described Steve as “big, hairy and kind of different”, but despite the unflattering introduction, it was always apparent the two were a perfect pair. The real highlights of Steve’s life included the birth of his children and grandchildren. The family enjoyed many vacations, and not a day passed without love and laughter in the home. Barbara and Steve shared almost 51 years of marriage, and it’s fitting that he left this world to be reunited with her on Valentine’s Day.
Steve was quirky and humorous, and he was sure to open his heart to those he loved. He worked tirelessly without complaint, providing his family with unending love and support. He absolutely lit up around his grandchildren, soaking in the joys of being witness to their experiences.
There are countless ways that Steve will be missed, but we hope you’ll celebrate his life by finding joy in the simple pleasures: a quite walk finding forgotten treasures, telling stories, and of course listening to music that moves your soul.
Steve is survived by his son, Kirk Rhorer (Patti Beedles) of Lawrence; daughter, Stephanie Rhorer (Chad King) of Hutchinson; sister, Kris Peel of Hutchinson; and grandchildren, Patience Westby, Jayde Anderson, and Isla Beedles-Rhorer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Violet Rhorer; and sister, Wanda Morton.
Celebration of Life for Steve will be announced at a later date.