Stephen Russell Fairchild, 71, formerly of Waco and a former Waco area Funeral Director, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 in Elk City, Oklahoma.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Burial: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas
Steve was born April 12, 1948 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to James Carl Fairchild and Juanita Pauline Miller Fairchild. He graduated from Young High School in Knoxville and attended the University of Tennessee. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1968 until 1971. Soon after, he attended and graduated from Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston where he was the class Vice-President.
Steve was a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer who was associated with several Texas area firms. Steve was a Sales Representative for The Dodge Chemical Company, a funeral service supplier, for four years. He was a former Funeral Director/Embalmer at Bellmead Funeral Home in Bellmead and prior to his retirement, was a Funeral Director/Embalmer at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway.
He was a past member of the Brenham Rotary Club, Washington County Blue Blazers, board member of the TFDA and ETFDA and the AM Legion in Brenham.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Carl Fairchild.
Steve is survived by his wife, Karen Denise Rice Fairchild; son, Mark Fairchild and wife, Misty of Elk City, Oklahoma and their children, Russell and Rozi; daughter, Katharine Hunt and husband, Matt of Lewisville and their children, Quinlan and Avinley; mother, Pollye Bradsby; sister, Debbie Thornton of Wildwood, Texas; brothers, Richard Fairchild and wife, Wendy of Belton; Jon Fairchild and wife, Laurie of Pinckney, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Steve loved his family and his Tennessee Volunteers, “Rocky Top”
A Funeral Director’s Prayer
Lord, give me the patience needed to serve everyone as my own;
the wisdom to understand other’s feelings;
the knowledge to learn as well as to instruct;
the kindness to treat everyone equally at all times;
the strength to endure long hours and hard work;
the desire to serve others as I would my own family;
the humility to accept words of thanks and praise;
the compassion to touch another’s soul;
the pride and the right to smile when I have served a family well;
and Lord, most importantly the right to shed an honest tear when my heart is touched;
Lord, make me thankful that
I am a Funeral Director.
Author:
Anthony J. Asselta 111
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Karen, I am so deeply saddened at the news of Steve. The two of you have been my friends for many years, and your family will be in my prayers for comfort and peace.
Thank you Arvin. Karen
So very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing, he was a very good man and good friend, we enjoyed many a lunch, and occassional golf game together. Steve always knew how to make folks around him perk up and smile, he will be truly missed, my thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Karen and family.
Thank you Dee
Steve was a pleasure to work with and was an asset to his profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Prayers for the family!!!!
Steve was always cheerful. We always enjoyed each other’s company when our paths crossed on occasion. He always enjoyed sharing a joke. Always pleasant to be around. A special friend who will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Met him when he worked for Scott and Kim Bartley in Grand Saline Tx. RIP Steve.
We appreciated the time Steve was here at Broussard’s. Would see him occasionally over the
last several years and always enjoyed the visit. Our prayers are with your family.
It was a pleasure to know Steve as fellow-coworker and most of all a Friend. He always had a smile and a cheerful remark or a joke. We grieve his going on ahead of us but not as those who have no hope. May God Bless Karen and the family as they transition through this time of sorrow.
I first met Steve in San Antonio when I worked for a mortuary service and he was our Dodge rep. I immediately knew he was a special guy…. full of humor and wisdom – he always brightened my day when he would stop in to visit. When we met up again in Waco working for the same company I was thrilled to get to see my friend again. He was definitely one of a kind and I will remember him always and cherish our friendship. He taught me much, made me laugh beyond measure and was an understanding ear when I needed to vent. I’m a better person for knowing him. Karen and family, I pray you find comfort and healing in the days to come.
Steve was my Dodge rep. for several years. We both loved to talk and enjoyed taking 3 hour lunches when he’d come to Longview. He was a great funeral director and an even better friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
I am so sorry for your loss Katherine. Your Father sounds like a wonderful, caring man and I know you will miss him so much. I will keep you and your family in my prayers in the coming days.
Karen, Prayers for you and your family.
Started with Steve at Dodge Chemical and attended conventions with him over a couple of years. Our prayers
to the family. Sincerely sorry for your loss. May his memory bring you all comfort and peace in the days, weeks and months to follow.
Karen, our hearts are saddened by this news. Steve has been a long-time friend, and we have always appreciated your friendship through the years. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you and your family during these difficult days. Much love and many prayers….Dick and Ola
Karen, I am so sorry Steve lost his battle, but God freed him from him pain and suffering and you now have a special Angel watching over you. Memories of the good times will keep him alive in your heart forever. Love and hugs,
Butch and Cindy
Karen and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss… we all lost a good friend. Steve always knew how to make those around him laugh and he leaves with us so many fond memories. His presence and visits will forever be missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Much love,
Mark and Pam Ramsey
I was so sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. I have so many fond memories of good times with Steve dating back to when we first met when he was in Grand Saline. Steve’s sense of humor was amazing and he was so fun to be around. Karen, you are in my thoughts and prayers.