Obituary of Fern L.S. Steepleton

Fern L.S. “Steep” Steepleton of Lacey, Washington, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.  He was born on April 27, 1922 in Pueblo, Colorado.  He attended Centennial High School.  He joined the Army Air Corps on January 3, 1943 and flew 33 missions as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater during WWII.  He was shot down twice, the second time was Christmas day 1944, when he was taken prisoner by the Germans.  After the war, he earned his bachelor’s degree and made the Air Force a career for 23 years as a pilot and weatherman.  After retiring from the military, he came to Seattle, where he had a second career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fern A. and Lois Steepleton; his sister, Roxy Thompson; and his first wife of 45 years, Helen Steepleton.

 

He is survived by his wife, Hazel Steeepleton of Lacey; his daughters, Cassandra Fosberg (Jack) of Onalaska, Washington, and Paula Oliver (Bob) of Bellevue, Washington; his son, Scott Steepleton (Lisa) of Burien, Washington.  He was Grampa to six grandsons, Brent Brower, Jeremy Brower, Seth Brower, Tony Oliver, Sean Oliver, Drew Oliver; granddaughter, Kelsey Steepleton; many great grandchildren; his brother, Glenn Steepleton (June) of Colorado; and sister, Donna Hernandez of Florida. 

 

He also is survived by family members he added to his life after his marriage to Hazel, including Christie Smith (Troy), Karen Anderson (Jim); grandchildren, Amy, Ryan, Lena, Sarah, Brad; and multiple great grandchildren.

 

Home Depot won’t know what to do without their almost daily customer stopping by to get “just that part he needed” to complete some project he was always working on.  He said he had to “dope it out” to solve the problem, which he always did, including up to the last day we were privileged to have here with us.  His love for his family was a joy for him, and felt by all of us.  A few of his favorite things in life, which he did with gusto, were barbershop singing, traveling in his motorhome, buying treats for his dogs, going to the commissary where he got the “Good morning, Lt. Colonel,” which always brought a smile to his face.  Yes, his contagious smile, quick chuckle, and lasting comment as we left his presence, “Now, don’t go away mad!” will be remembered with love and missed with all our hearts.

 

Private services.

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