Steven Anthony Sharpe, 66, passed away peacefully at home, with his wife, Sue, and brother-in-law, Jeff Miller, by his side.
Born October 1, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington, to David and Maxine Sharpe. Steve’s family moved to Kansas City around the time he was 2 years old. From childhood into adulthood, Steve lived a life defined by adventure and coupled with a deep desire to serve others. Those who knew him best described him as a man who put others before himself. His generosity knew few limits, and his greatest satisfaction came not from what he accomplished for himself, but from what he could do for someone else.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast and accomplished pilot, Steve began pursuing his passion for flying as a young man, even finding ways to put money intended for college toward flying lessons. This passion eventually became part of his professional life, including co-piloting for Marion Laboratories and Ewing Kauffman.
But to Steve, an airplane was far more than a means of transportation. It was an opportunity to serve. Steve used his gifts and resources to make life better for others. His instinct to help was immediate and unwavering, and he was known to run toward someone in need without hesitation. On one occasion, in his teenage years, he pulled a survivor from the wreckage of a plane crash, a remarkable example of his courage and desire to help others.
Steve met the love of his life, "Sweet Sue", at a Kansas City Royals baseball game around 1978. One of their first dates was also Sue's first time being in a plane, which she later referred to as a "two-seater tuna can". What began by a Providential encounter at the ballpark grew into a marriage spanning 45 years, sharing life to the fullest. Baseball would remain a special part of their family's story, with each of their three sons pursuing the sport into college and beyond. Together, Steve and Sue shared a lifelong love of flying and sports, passions that would take them on countless adventures and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.
A natural entrepreneur and businessman, one of Steve's greatest endeavors was owning and operating a nationwide valet parking business. He made his first dollar parking cars at the Rusty Pelican on Ward Parkway in the 1980’s, and that same business would eventually give him the opportunity to purchase and fly his own plane. He was never short on ideas, always dreaming up the next opportunity and eager to share his enthusiasm with anyone willing to listen. It’s been said that you’d leave a conversation with Steve with two new jobs and the confidence to run through a brick wall.
As his faith deepened, particularly in his forties, Steve increasingly devoted his time, energy, and resources to serving Christ and His Church. He was instrumental in numerous charitable efforts, including Project Moses, which helped place monuments of the Ten Commandments at Archdiocesan parishes, Holy Family School of Faith, and the founding of St. James Catholic High School.
Of all his accomplishments, nothing brought Steve greater pride than his family. He was profoundly grateful for his three sons, Steve, Scott, and Sam, and for the loving, faithful families they built with their wives. Affectionately known as Pops to his children and Pa to his grandchildren, he found some of his greatest earthly joys in their existence. More than anything, he cherished simply being with them, delighting in their presence and the gift of time together.
Two of Steve's favorite places were in the mountains and at home. While he loved the beauty and peace of the mountains, there was no place quite like the home Sue created. An extraordinary homemaker, wonderful cook, and devoted Grammy, Sue filled their home with warmth and love, where something delicious was always cooking and one of her homemade quilts was always nearby to wrap up in. Perhaps it's no wonder, then, that two of their sons made their homes near the mountains, and that Steve and Sue would eventually move next door to their middle son, Scott, and his family, practically sharing a driveway. In Steve's final years, that closeness became an extraordinary blessing, as Scott, alongside his wife Angie, and their four children, lovingly helped Grammy care for Pa.
Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue Ellen; his mother, Maxine Sharpe; and his three sons: Steve (Laurel) of Winchester, Virginia, and their sons, Samson, Solomon, and Simon Peter; Scott (Angie) of Overland Park, Kansas, and their children, Syriana, Jalen, Declan, and Roman; and Sam (Emily) of Littleton, Colorado, and their children, Felicity Jo, Hannah, and Benjamin.
He is also survived by his siblings, Diana Harris, Mike Sharpe, Julie Sharpe, and Susan (Steve) Miller; eleven nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Sharpe, his grandchildren who passed away before birth, including Isabelle Sharpe, and his dear friend Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher.
A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., followed by visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overland Park, Kansas, with Father Bill Bruning officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church or Kansas City Hospice.
N511PB — Papa Bravo, the call sign of Steve's Pilatus aircraft.
Mission accomplished. Job well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome Home!