Stephen "Steve" Fagan

Stephen Joseph Fagan, 85, Topeka, Kansas passed away Tuesday, 25 March 2025. The son of Peter Raymond and Mary Virginia Fagan (née Etzel), Steve was born 15 April 1939, in Topeka. He grew up in Topeka where his early years were characteristically ornery. He often spent time on the family farms in both Topeka and Reading, Kansas developing those certain facets of his personality that would bear rich fruit throughout his long life. A 1957 graduate of Hayden High School, Steve was a larger-than-life personality creating innumerable memories for himself and others, which his friends and family recalled fondly throughout his life and theirs. During this time, Steve cultivated what would become a mainstay throughout his life – his passion for the American automobile and its history – which was in no small part nurtured by his favorite uncle, Bernard Fagan (1916-2000). This passion translated into several personal and professional ventures. Perhaps the most memorable was Steve Fagan Classic Cars, a business devoted to the sale, restoration, and transportation of antique and classic automobiles. His knowledge of automobiles from the 1910s through the 1960s was in many ways unsurpassed and often nationally recognized. Steve married Carol Griffin in 1971. They divorced in 1986. The union brought two sons, Ryan Raymond (1972) and Brennan Patrick (1975) who currently reside in Lenexa and Lawrence, respectively. Having moved to Las Vegas with his family in the early 1980s, he later put down roots in Los Angeles where he would reside for nearly twenty-five years. During this chapter, Steve married Marjorie Shea with whom he remained united until his death. The couple owned an automobile transportation service until dissolving the business in 2009. Steve and Marjorie moved back to Topeka during that same year, so Steve could be closer to family and friends. For the next fifteen years, but really throughout the entirety of his life, Steve maintained a wide network of friends several of whom he kept in contact with since his grade school days. Many will remember Steve from the marks he made in the world of antique and classic automobiles. Yet, beyond this, Steve made an impression upon anyone with whom he crossed paths. His life will endure in the stories he gave us, which are seemingly always comedic, harrowing, and unique. For of all the ways one may characterize Steve Fagan, uninteresting will never be an appropriate adjective or descriptor. He was truly larger-than-life in both word and deed. He was, in brief, a playful provocateur; a regaling raconteur; and, as he always characterized himself, the oldest American teenager. Steve leaves behind his wife Marjorie; his sons, Ryan (Karen) and Brennan (Bre); two grandchildren, Emmi and Griffin; several friends; and cousins. He will be missed. Funeral service will be private. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Stephen "Steve" Fagan

April 15, 1939 - March 25, 2025