Steve was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend who brought laughter and warmth everywhere he went. A plumber by trade, he often joked about his ''crappy job,'' but those who knew him understood how much pride he took in his work and the people he served. He never met a stranger and had a gift for turning everyday moments into long, unforgettable stories. His humor, big heart, and love for conversation made him someone you could never forget.
Steve is survived by his mother, Sharon Bender, and his daughters, Mariah Blackman, Samantha Johnston, and Denium Cooper. He was a proud grandfather to Maci, Willa, Elodie, Stella, Caroline, Kyle, Ryder, and Lawson, who brought him immense joy.
He loved deeply and made sure those around him knew it. Whether through a joke, a story, or a simple moment together, Steve had a way of making people feel seen and valued. One of his most cherished traditions was saying goodbye with, ''See you later, alligator,'' always followed by, ''After while, crocodile.''
In true Steve fashion, he made the selfless decision to donate his body to science, continuing to help others even after his passing. In honoring his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of life will be held in June, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories just the way he would have wanted.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Condolences(0)