- Date Of Birth: July 12, 1944
- Date Of Death: September 24, 2017
- State: Colorado
Steve passed away in Grand Junction, CO on September 24, 2017 surrounded by family. He was born in Alhambra, California, but moved to Hot Sulphur Springs, CO when he was three. His mother met and married William Gerald O’Dwyer in 1947 and he later adopted Steve. His two brothers Jerry and Dennis were born there. He moved to Grand Junction for a short time as a youth, but in 1954 settled in Fruita in a log cabin that his dad built. He finished school in Fruita graduating from Fruita High in 1962.
He went to college in Pueblo for a short time, but eventually moved to Phoenix, AZ. His car broke down getting into Phoenix, and that is how he met his lifelong friend Terry Starks. After being there for 2 years, he met his eternal companion Judy Ann Wheatley at the opening of the student branch in Phoenix in March 1970. They were married in the Arizona Temple, July 10, 1970. Their first child Cathy, was born in 1972. When she was 3 months old they moved back to Colorado and remained for 14 years. While in Grand Junction their other children Valarie, Paul, Cheryl and Molly were born. Over a period of years, he and Judy were guardians to his nieces and nephew who became children to them – Laurie, Tammy and Bobby. He worked for the Lighthouse for a while and went on to complete a 2-year Auto Mechanic certification at Mesa College. He was a mechanic from that point on, at point owning his own mechanic shop in Grand Junction. In 1986 they moved back to Arizona, where he stayed for many years, only to move back to Grand Junction in 2002, where he eventually retired.
Steve had many interests and loves besides his family. He was involved in many projects and hobbies such as a love of classic cars, especially jaguars. When his kids were young he built a truck from scratch showing it in the local community parade. He also loved astronomy and was active in astronomy clubs and even built his own telescope, which was referenced in an astronomy book. Always a gun enthusiast, in his most recent years he enjoyed reloading, restoring and repairing firearms.
Friday
September 29, 2017
10:00 AM
2881 Orchard Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81504
Friday
September 29, 2017
12:00 PM
Fruita, CO 81521
Viewing and Reception is Private (Family Only)
