Steven Phillip Hommertzheim, 64, of Branson, Missouri
Steven Phillip Hommertzheim, 64, of Branson, Missouri, passed away on July 23, 2026 — one day shy of his 65th birthday. He was born on July 24, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas.
Steven was the son of Roberta "Bobbie" (Wilson) Maupin and the late Dale Hommertzheim. He is survived by his children, Nicole Huff and her husband, Jared, of Cunningham, KS, and Kayla Watson and her husband, Chad, of Rockport, TX; he was preceded in death by his son, Steven Tyler Hommertzheim. Steven was a proud grandfather to Nora Huff, Graham Huff, Colton Watson, and Kenzie Watson. He is also survived by his half-brothers, Alex Hommertzheim of Rose Hill, KS, and Jim Hommertzheim of Colwich, KS; his step-siblings, Shelli Maupin of Enid, OK, and Scott Maupin of Tampa, FL; and many other family and friends who will remember him with affection.
Steven grew up in Wichita and graduated from Southeast High School. He began his working life at Dunn Sign Company in Wichita, then became an electrician, putting his hands and practical know-how to good use. His path later led him to Enid, Oklahoma, where he worked on the maintenance team at Vance Air Force Base. He also had a natural gift for computers and spent time working in inventory.
After moving to Southwest Missouri, Steven returned to one of his earliest loves — cooking, a passion first sparked at his grandfather's diner — and attended culinary school. Cooking became more than a job; it became a way for him to share joy with the people around him. He worked as a cook at several Branson restaurants, including Gettin' Basted and The Branson Cafe, where he was known for his homemade pies, his fabulous meatloaf, and his out-of-this-world peanut butter cookies. Everything he cooked carried the same care and creativity he brought to everything he did.
Outside the kitchen, Steven enjoyed golfing, bowling, and riding his motorcycle. He was a good man — quiet, but personable, with a great sense of humor and a way of making people feel at ease.
Steven's life was not without struggle. Even so, he will be remembered for the many ways he showed love, worked hard, and brought his own special light to the lives of his family and friends.
Services will be held in Kansas at a later date, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Wichita.