Steven Warren Sandfer was born November 22, 1944 in St. Louis, MO and passed from this life June 14, 2022 in St. James, MO.

Steven was raised by his maternal grandmother, Stella (Swyers) Bush in St. James.

He spent his young life playing and exploring on the Dry Fork River with his cousin, Donnie. He learned to hunt and fish, and he enjoyed those things and the outdoors the rest of his life.

Steven and Patricia (Ragan) met in 1964 and were married on May 29, 1965 at First Baptist Church in St. James with Rev. Orville McGuire officiating. They enjoyed 57 years together.

In June, 1966 Steve and Pat moved to St. Louis, and Steven got a job at a steel company, Ludlow-Saylor Wire Cloth Company. The company changed hands several times, but he worked for them for 47 years before retiring on January 1, 2013.  He was in the  Steelworkers Union for 22 years, and he retired from the Machinists Union after 25 years. He was very proud of his union membership.

In July 1968, their daughter, Cathy Ann was born; then, five years later in 1973, Mary Elizabeth was born. He also helped raise a nephew, Steven Schrick, who was born in February 1973, just 10 months before Mary. "Stevie" and Mary spent their childhood always together, and he was always thought of as the son Steve never had.

Steven took all three kids stomping through the woods and rivers teaching them what he thought they should know about the outdoors. "Stevie" and Mary still enjoy being on the river and fishing.  Mary also enjoys deer hunting. Cathy enjoys her love of flowers like her mom, but raising a big garden she learned from her dad.  And, like her dad, she gives most of it away.

Cathy married and moved to the Naval Base in Hawaii. After Steven retired, he and Pat took several trips to Hawaii to see the grandbabies. They also made several trips out west to Yellowstone and the Tetons. When Mary moved to Salt Lake City, Utah then Park City, Utah, they were gone again. Steven finally tired of traveling, and he settled on the farm with his cattle. He loved going to cattle sales and auctions, picking up more "stuff" that he couldn't do without.

In the fall, everything would turn to deer hunting or thinking about deer hunting.  He and Jim (Matlock) would spend hours talking about where to go, building deer stands, and getting everything ready for that "magical" morning of being in their stands at 4:00 AM. Pat went with him one time, but that was way too early, and she couldn't be quiet so that was a big no-no. Steven also enjoyed cutting wood.  He and Jim would cut and split wood until they thought they had enough for them both for the winter, then they would cut a little more. Steven enjoyed volunteering at the Caring Center on commodity day.  He never met a stranger, and he would strike up a conversation with anyone.

Steven also enjoyed playing cards every other Thursday with his friends, especially Jim Yowell. Steve and Jim grew up together, and they did a lot of hunting and fishing.  In good times and bad times, they remained close.

Steve was a good Christian man and a wonderful husband and father.  He was a good provider, and he always put his family first.

His death was sudden and tragic to his family and friends.  He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Pat and daughters: Cathy Ann and husband, Michael Dillon and Mary Sandfer.

He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Sara Todd and Lauryn Farris and husband, Nick. Also, a grandson Michael (Mickey) Dillon and four great grandchildren.

He also leaves to mourn his nephew, Steven Schrick and wife, Gina and nephew, Michael Vincent.

A Celebration of Steven's life will be August 28, 2022  at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Pastor Stephen Brubaker officiating.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Program.

Online condolences may be entered at jonesfunerals.com.