Stillwater, OK - Steven K. Gragert passed peacefully from natural causes, with his wife and precious puppy dog by his side, surrounded by the loving community of family and friends he had spent a lifetime building. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Helen Koons Gragert, who first captured his heart decades ago and never let go. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Steve was born on April 2, 1950, in Richland, Washington, and grew up in Grandview, Missouri. Though he would become an Oklahoman through-and-through, his loyalty to the Kansas City Chiefs never waned—a testament to the steadfastness that defined his character in all things.

He earned his Bachelor's degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, his Master's in American History from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas and completed doctoral coursework at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. But perhaps his most important lesson at Bethany had nothing to do with academics. It was there that Steve met Helen, a beautiful Lindsborg native, after first encountering her as her high school Sunday School teacher. When he finally summoned the courage to ask her out, she turned him down—or so he thought. In truth, she was simply unavailable due to travel, but Steve spent an agonizing stretch believing his romantic prospects had been dashed. Fortunately, fate intervened the following year when both found themselves at Bethany College. Steve, never one to give up easily, tried his luck again, and this time, he came out successful. They became college sweethearts, and the rest, as the historian would say, is history.

Steve dedicated his professional life to preserving and sharing the life, wisdom, and humor of Will Rogers—a fitting pursuit for a man who embodied those same qualities. He served as editor of nineteen volumes of Rogers' work and authored over two dozen publications and papers. He consulted on two television programs and, at the time of his passing, was advising on a movie currently in production. He taught courses on Will Rogers and history at multiple universities, sharing his infectious enthusiasm with new generations of students. His career culminated at the Will Rogers Memorial Museums, where he served as Executive Director from 2006 until his retirement in 2014. He continued to serve on the foundation board after his retirement. Under his leadership, the Museums' collections expanded significantly, and five new galleries opened their doors to the public.

Michelle Lefebvre-Carter and Joseph H. Carter Sr., the Directors Emeritus of the Will Rogers Memorial Commission and Will Rogers Heritage Trust credit Steve's success to the "powerful force" that came from the mix of his practical management skills and vision, combined with scholarship, intellect, and kindness.

Steve and Helen championed inclusivity and embraced international cultures with open arms. They hosted multiple exchange students over the years, including Robert Kreitmeier from Germany, who remains a beloved and honorary son to this day. In retirement, the couple satisfied their wanderlust with extensive travels, including recent adventures to Antarctica, Germany, and Egypt.

His commitment to community ran deep. For decades, Steve was extremely active with the Rotary Club, serving in positions such as Club President, District Governor, President's Representative, International Training Leader, and most recently, Sergeant at Arms. In 2002, he received a Distinguished Service Award from Rotary International, followed by a Citation for Meritorious Service in 2003. He served on the Bethany College Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011, holding officer positions for most of that tenure. He and Helen also deeply valued their church community, where Steve served as Church Council President and, more recently, as Assisting Minister for Worship. Steve and Helen are deeply grateful for the loving embrace of their Salem Church family, and the church's parish nurse ministry. His lengthy list of civic recognitions in both Claremore and Stillwater, Oklahoma, speaks to a life lived in service to others.

Yet Steve approached his recreational pursuits with the same vigor he brought to everything else. He played tennis regularly and took his backyard water volleyball games very seriously—perhaps too seriously, if you asked his opponents. If you were the poor soul from the opposing team who happened to hit the ball out of bounds, Steve trumpeted your error loud enough for the neighboring town to hear. He also enjoyed a good softball game, playing for "Marty's Men," his church softball team.

Steve Gragert was a historian, a servant leader, a devoted husband, a fierce competitor, and a wonderful friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, service, and laughter that will not soon be forgotten.

Memorial donations may be made to Salem Lutheran Church and the Steve Gragert Endowment fund of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum Foundation