Roderick D. Stepp

Roderick D. Stepp passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026. He was 88 years old.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 2:00 PM. First Presbyterian Church. 1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102

Rod was born April 8, 1937, in Wichita Falls, Texas to M.M. and Ruby Ewing Stepp. While growing up in Wichita Falls, he was active in sports and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

While at Texas A&M in College Station Rod was recognized as a Distinguished Student and Distinguished Military Graduate. He was Vice President of his junior class, a member of the Ross Volunteer Honor Guard, and was also editor of the Aggieland.

Graduating from A&M in 1959 with a degree in geological engineering, Rod went to work for Pan American Petroleum in Houston as a geophysicist. While in Houston, he met and married his wife of nearly 66 years, Claudia Buckalew from Conroe, Texas. Rod stayed with Pan American for four years with a two-year interruption to serve in the US Army. His assigned duty was at a Nike missile site where he became Battery Commander and was serving as such during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After his army obligation, Rod returned to Pan American Petroleum. However, in 1963, he was asked to join his father and uncle in a new business. Taking all of his savings and young family, he moved to Ft. Worth where he purchased ownership in a four-employee metal manufacturing company called M&M Manufacturing. Rod remained at M&M as President/CEO for 50 years where the company grew to have five locations and over 750 employees.

Having gone to A&M on an academic scholarship, Rod felt compelled to give back both locally and on campus. He served as President of the Ft. Worth A&M Club, on the Executive Committee of Association of Former Students, and as President of the 12th Man Foundation. He was also a board member and Chairman of the Texas A&M Foundation. In 2007, Rod was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. In 2014, he was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Honor and also Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor. He was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award granted by Fort Worth/Tarrant County A&M Club.

In Fort Worth, Rod was a director of Summit National Bank, advisory board member of Frost Bank, President of Ridglea Country Club and a longtime member of the Fort Worth TIPS Breakfast Club.

Rod's passions were his family, his business and Texas A&M. Rod and Claudia were active supporters of live theatre in both NYC and locally, Casa Manana.

Rod and Claudia had two children. Son Randall Stepp married to Kathleen and daughter Rhonda, married to Rob Felton. Their family became a house of many colors. Randall turned burnt orange and white, while Kathleen was green and gold. Rhonda and Rob were both crimson and cream.

Their grandchildren followed suit. Rachel lackey went green and gold, while Sonny Stepp went purple and white. Megan Williams went crimson and cream, while Randall Felton went blue and gold. Rod and Claudia are hoping that their great grandchildren, Weston, MK, JR and Isabel will perhaps make maroon and white their colors of choice!

Rod was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife Claudia, Randall and Kathleen Stepp, Rhonda and Rob Felton. Grandchildren Rachel and Garrison Lackey, Sonny Stepp and fiancé Samantha Mills, Megan and Charlie Williams and Randall Felton. Great grandchildren, Weston Pinckard, MK and JR Lackey and Isabel Williams. Brothers Mike Stepp (wife Sandy) and Jim Stepp. Wayne and Dianne Buckalew, Sarah Doswell, Alicia Stepp, Meredith Stepp.

The family is deeply grateful for Jamie P and the entire team at Woody's, Yolanda, Bill, Drew, Edward, Janie and Chris. They all became the wind beneath his wings.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

All Saints Episcopal Church
Building Fund
4936 Dexter Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Fort Worth Country Day School
Fine Arts
4200 Country Day Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76107