Stephen Pierce Biddle

Stephen Pierce Biddle died August 15, 2023 at his home in the Paramount Community and Rehab Center in Newton, Kansas.  Dr. Biddle received his Bachelor’s degree from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas and received his PhD in Theater Arts from the University of Kansas as well as a Doctor of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary.

Creative writing was his passion. As an author and playwright, he wrote twenty-two plays of which seven were produced. His Master's Thesis entitled, The Canteen, was produced by the Menninger Foundation in 1967.  His play Quantrill about William Quantrill and the Quantrill raid on Lawrence, Kansas was produced at the University of Kansas. A popular success, it was extended two weeks during the spring of 1970. In 1971 Stephen was awarded a Shubert Fellowship. In 1975 his play, Walter World, was produced by Judson's Poet's Theater in New York City. 

As an educator Dr. Biddle taught at the University of Kansas, Baker University, and Ottawa University. In retirement, he continued to write short stories, patiently typing his manuscripts on his favorite and trusty IBM electric typewriter. One of his great enjoyments was to put on his headphones and listen to music by his favorite composer, Beethoven.  In July of this year Stephen celebrated his 79th birthday and was actively engage in his community until his death.

Stephen Biddle was born in Westfield, Massachusetts the son of Rev. Roger Biddle and Opal Biddle, both deceased. He is survived by his daughter Stephanie and her husband Josh, his former wife Phyllis Lautz Biddle, a brother Mark and his wife Karen, and a nephew Nate and his wife Lisa.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on September 20 at 2:00 PM. Visitors and friends are invited to attend the memorial service. The internment will be a Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburgh Kansas on September 21 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Baker University.