Philip Anthony Steptoe

PHILIP ANTHONY STEPTOE, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center. Philip was surrounded by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and other loving relatives. Philip was the first born and only son of his devoted parents, Rexford Gilbert Steptoe, Jr. and the then Julia Watson Steptoe. He was born in Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 1958.

Philip served in the United States Navy. Philip also was a talented and prolific ARTIST who created an exceptional and timeless body of art and writings to be cherished by his wife, daughter and grandchildren. Philip's God-given artistic talents were expressed through his exceptional and original charcoal and pencil drawings, sketches, and illustrations, and his profound philosophical writings. Philip also was a self-taught musician, and enjoyed playing the electric guitar, harmonica and flute. Everyone who knew Philip knew of his life-long love of classic rock music.

Philip leaves behind to cherish and honor his life and memory his wife Aurelia, his deeply dedicated daughter, Aja Marie Steptoe, his grandchildren, Sean, Kali, Amira and Nova, and his loving siblings Jamilla Rhines (Lankford), Jesse Rhines, Jerome Rhines, Carolyn Steptoe, Julie Steptoe (Bean), Marsha Steptoe (Culler), Adam Barbour and Jennifer Barbour (Butler), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Philip is predeceased by his father and mother, Rexford Gilbert Steptoe Jr. and Julia Watson Rhines Steptoe Barbour, and his older brothers Jacinto Rhines, John Rhines and Julian Steptoe.