Steven "Keeper" Birkes

Steven "Keeper" Birkes, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 57. Born on December 27, 1968, in Vinita, Oklahoma, Steven lived a full and vibrant life marked by his passions, dedication to family, and numerous interests.

A man of many talents and pursuits, Steven greatly enjoyed riding motorcycles and traveling with his wife, gardening, working on vehicles, and cooking on the smoker. His passion for crafting extended into making wine and, more recently, restoring tricycles and pedal cars for his grandchildren—a testament to his enduring commitment to family and creativity. Among his proudest accomplishments was the time he spent with his grandchildren, an activity that brought him immeasurable happiness and fulfillment.

Steven is survived by his loving wife, Shannon Birkes of the home; his sons Michael Birkes and wife Jamie of White Oak, OK, Chance Birkes and wife Destiny of White Oak, OK, Andrew Kohler and wife Jaiden of Salina, OK; and his daughter Samantha Kohler-Ratcliff and husband Owen of Vinita, OK. He also leaves behind his mother Linda Coffman of Vinita, OK, sister Tami Birkes of Oklahoma City, OK, and mother-in-law Pat Cantey of Pryor, OK. Steven’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Cameron Ratcliff, Jacob Ratcliff, Audrey Ratcliff, Moxon Birkes, Sawyer Birkes, Elijah Kohler, Ensley Kohler, and Emberlyn Kohler.

He was preceded in death by his father Jesse Birkes; great-grandmother Minnie Birkes; grandparents Wilma and Bill Young, and Jesse and Helen Birkes; father-in-law Robert Cantey; and brother-in-law Hank Williams Sr.

A visitation will be held on June 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service located at 1204 N.E. 1st St., Pryor, Oklahoma. The funeral service will follow on June 5, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Shipman's funeral home chapel with Eddy Bob Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with Jim Sears, Shawn Bohannon, Andrew Kohler, Michael Birkes, Chance Birkes, and Owen Ratcliff serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers are Brian Hartley, Roger Colvin, Bobby Allen and Jacob Ratcliff.

Steven Birkes’s life was defined by his unwavering devotion to his family, his varied interests, and the joy he found in simple pleasures. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed by all. To leave his family a message of condolence, please visit his tribute wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service.