March 22, 1952 - August 26, 2025
A Memorial Service for Steven Arthur Ternes will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel. A Celebration of Life lunch will immediately follow at the Circle of Life Events Center.
Steve, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born to Francis and Kathleen (Kraus) Ternes of Conway Springs, Kansas, Steve grew up with a deep love for sports and community. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School for eight years. His faith in God led him to seminary school in Kansas during his Freshman year. He later attended Conway Springs High School, where he was a standout athlete, holding several track records that remained unbroken for decades and winning multiple state championships in football. After graduating in 1970, his passion for learning led him to Emporia State College in Kansas.
In 1976, Steve married the love of his life, Kay Dick, in Sharon, Kansas. They settled in Enid, Oklahoma, where they have lived for the past 44 years. There, he built a life full of purpose and connection. A man of many talents, Steve worked as a traveling harvest crew member, bricklayer, feed mill operator, and transport driver. Though he always wanted to serve in the armed forces, medical reasons prevented him from enlisting. Instead, he spent a year in Iraq assisting the military as a transport driver.
As a young man, Steve pursued his dream of playing professional baseball, spending time in the minor leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates Farm Team. He continued his love of the game by playing on various men’s competitive softball teams and coaching his children’s teams.
A true car and truck enthusiast, Steve was known for his mechanical skills and passion for restoring vehicles. He was an active member for 13 years of the Corvettes of Enid Car Club and frequently traveled to attend car shows, always eager to talk sports or cars with anyone he met. Steve was also a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. His neighbors fondly referred to him as the honorary grandpa of the street, always ready with a helping hand or a clever fix for anything broken.
Steve’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. He was deeply committed to supporting veterans and nonprofit organizations and never missed a chance to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. He and his wife, Kay, filled their lives with camping, traveling, laughter, and love.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Kay Ternes; daughter Kimberly and Justin (spouse) Dunkin; son Chad Ternes; the only granddaughter Brynlie Dunkin and grandsons Jax Dunkin, and Noah, Coleman, and Milo Ternes; and his sisters Vicki Bird, Cheri Downey, Mary Kay Alloway, and Lori Porter, along with multiple in-law siblings, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Ternes.
Steve will be remembered for his generous spirit, boundless energy, ability to make people smile, and unwavering love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Our Daily Bread or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
