Steven Paul Mecham

1947 - 2024

Steven Paul Mecham, a long-time Pocatello resident, passed away at his home on January 12 surrounded by family and friends after a valiant, five-month battle with cancer. He was 76.

Steve was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on February 6, 1947, to Delbert and June Mecham. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1965. One of his highlights was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade with the Poky marching band. Poky's band was one of the last to make it on the TV broadcast and the commentator's remark was, "Aren't they the greatest?!"

After graduation, Steve briefly attended Idaho State University before enlisting in the Navy. Steve's service to our country brought him to Vietnam for two tours of duty during the war.

After leaving the Navy, Steve returned to Pocatello and joined his family's business, Del's Thrifty Market. When Del passed away at an early age, Steve took over running the butcher department and continued helping to manage the store (including overseeing the construction of a new store) into the early 2000's. After the closing of Del's, Steve worked at Broulim's grocery stores, Gottschalks department store and Kesler's Market, where he managed the meat and deli department for 12 years until his retirement.

Anyone who encountered Steve at Del's Market, or any of his other places of employment, will remember his outgoing personality, attentive service ("Here's what you should cook for dinner tonight!"), warm smile and contagious laugh.

Steve's passions were many, but near the top were camping at Red Fish Lake, fishing, sailing, jazz music, going on cruises, cooking and grilling for friends and family, and hosting NFL Seahawks parties.

During his retirement years, Steve truly enjoyed being a member of the Snake River New Horizons Band and attending other classes through New Knowledge Adventures.

Steve leaves behind two beloved daughters, Amanda (Brian Johnston) Siems (Benjamin, Stanley, Jillian and Madeline), Pocatello; and Molly (Craig) Devore (Otto and Oscar), Eau Claire, WI, from his marriage with Holly Boyack Mecham, and his beloved companion "Maggie" the golden doodle.

Steve is also survived by his three siblings, Linda (Marlyn) Brunkow, Pocatello; Randy Mecham, Surprise, AZ; and Katie (Jack) Mooney, Pocatello, and many nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his father Del, mother June, stepfather Wayne Waltman and sister-in-law Sue Mecham.

The family is beyond grateful for the Heritage hospice team who helped us through Steve's last few days. A military salute and memorial will be held at Steve's father's gravesite (Section 30 west) at Mountain View Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Cornelison Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Snake River New Horizons Band in Steve's name. Full obituary and condolences online at www.cornelisonfh.com.