Stephen Wayne Brackeen

Stephen Wayne Brackeen was born on May 14, 1952 in Newton, KS to Arthur Murl Brackeen and Thelma Dooley Brackeen. Steve was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1970.

Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Kay Brackeen (Newton) and their two children, Heather (Tommy) Kueser, Canton, KS and Judd (Jennifer Brackeen) Newton. Eight Grandchildren, Jaxon Brackeen, Jett Brackeen, Hannah Ruddle, Emma Ruddle, Gus Ruddle, Cailey Kueser, Remington Kueser, and Wendi Koehn. Sisters, Ann Schmidt (Dave) Donna Brackeen, Newton Herb Brackeen, Newton Charles Brackeen (LIZ), Rose Hill, KS, Mike Brackeen (Brenda sister in law, Patty, Brackeen (Daniel) and many numerous nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his Parents, Arthur Murl and Thelma Brackeen, brothers Daniel Brackeen and Buddy Brackeen. 

There will be a graveside service Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 1:30 P.M at Steve’s home on his beloved property God's Land, 1502 South East Lake Road, Newton, KS. Prior to the burial the procession will begin by lining up in your car outside of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St. at  12:45 p.m. There will be no viewing inside Petersen's prior to the Procession. The service is at 1:30 p.m. at God’s Land - if it is otherwise not convenient to go to Petersen's, you can go straight to “God’s Land" and there will be someone there to direct you to the graveside service - assistance to those needing help getting to the graveside will be available. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 7:00 P.M. to Midnight at Wild Prairie Event Center 1610 S.E. 3rd St., Newton, KS 67114. 

Everyone is welcome to come to one or both services. Please come prepared to share your favorite memories of Steve. 

Stephen Wayne Brackeen, known by “JUNE BOYS” AS “ART” left us to be with Jesus in the early morning of March 8, 2025 at the age of 72. He left behind a legacy of dedication, service and love.

Steve devoted much of his life to public service. He loved helping people and was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. He was a proud member of the Newton Fire Department for 33 years, serving with honor from March 11,1979 until he retired as Battalion Chief on December 22, 2011. His unwavering commitment to protecting his community was a testament to his character and selflessness. Above all, Steve cherished his family. Steve met Brenda Miller in 1971 at Holstine Motors where he began working soon after High school and began his first career of Auto motive repair and Service to the community. They were married November 3rd, 1973. In their 51 years of marriage what mattered most has been their children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved supporting everyone of them whether it be football games, basketball games, baseball games, track meets and cheerleading. He was always teaching and encouraging cheering “loudly” from the sidelines.

Steve and Brenda moved to “The Land” in 1997. About 22 years later, their grandson Jett was learning to weld and Grandpa thought he needed to practice so he asked him to build an entry way to “The Land” that was when “The Land” was changed to " God’s Land “and that is where Steve found his utmost peace. He loved to plant trees, flowers, (he was in competition with his daughter-in-law for the best lawn) and so many mule rides running numerous dogs through the pasture and trails he so lovingly mowed. His most cherished times were taking his wife, friends, family on the daily cruises listening to his music.

Steve was larger than life. He was a man of unyielding faith. He didn’t know a stranger, from going to the “Y” every morning, occasional outings to the legion or walking in to a gym for a sporting event of a grandchild and everyone knew Steve was in the building. One of Steve’s most famous lines was “A woman’s work is from Sun to Sun, but Stevie’s work is NEVER DONE!” Steve taught his kids what work ethic is all about. You never saw him sitting...until 3:30 o’clock…. 

The heart of this great man was so big it finally could not handle it anymore. As much as he will be missed, he is flying high and living his best life!!!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newton YMCA or American Legion Post 2.