Steven L. Martin

Steven Leon Martin, 70, of Stevensville passed away on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Visitation will take place one hour prior, from 1-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Steve's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Steve was born on Nov. 5, 1954, to Van and Katherine (Phelps) Martin in Paris, Tenn., where he attended Henry County High School. In his late teens, he settled in Michigan, where he established a home, created a family and remained throughout his life. He regularly went back home to Paris, to visit with his sisters: Karolyn and Marsha, who he remained very close with throughout his life.

Throughout his career, Steve worked for several companies before joining Gast Manufacturing as a machinist. Over his 20-year tenure, he also took on quality control responsibilities. Steve was dependable, dedicated, and never shied away from the demands of a labor-intensive job.

Steve loved to be with people and in the thick of what was happening around town. You could find him camped on the sidewalk during the Blossomtime Parade and attending most local events and celebrations. When he wasn't "out and about," he was at his good friend, Bill Hardin's, lakehouse pulling skiers and tubes behind his boat, affectionately dubbed as the Hillbilly Yacht (which sank one year, but was ultimately rescued!).

Steve was happiest when keeping busy, whether tackling home projects, lending a hand on someone else's, or tending to his immaculate lawn. The only time he could truly sit still was when watching a NASCAR race or University of Michigan football game. He was also a devoted University of Tennessee fan. He was a proud father and loved spending time with his grandchildren and gifting them "Papa Dollars."

After several years together, he married Jayne (Daniel) Martin on May 24, 2025, who survives him. Steve is also survived by children: Lindsay Martin, Whitney (Benjamin) Schueneman and Joseph (Andrea) Martin; grandchildren: Connor Dean, Gavyn Martin, Karlisle Schueneman, Taylor Schueneman and Sophia Martin; stepchildren: Andrew (Brittney) Daniel and Lira Castillo; step-grandchildren: Matthew Daniel, Leah Daniel, Leonardo Castillo and sisters, Karolyn (Dickie) Mobley and Marsha (Glenn) Fowler.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Christopher Mobley.