Stephen Leadbetter

Stephen Hardy "Steve" Leadbetter passed away on February 26, 2025, in Agua Dulce, Texas. He was born on February 20, 1951, at Mauston County Hospital in Wisconsin.

Steve spent his early years in Chicago and was a member of the Sea Scouts on Lake Michigan before moving to Lansing, Illinois. As a young man, he helped build a family vacation cottage with his parents and uncles in Bass Lake, Indiana, working on it during weekends. He graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School in 1969 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. His service took him to various locations around the world, providing valuable experiences that shaped his future career. A proud Vietnam veteran, Steve used his naval education to build a successful career as an electronics engineer.

Following his military service, he lived in Nevada, where he worked in the electronics field and also served as a volunteer EMT for the local fire department. His career path later led him to Oregon, where he met Cheryl, whom he later married in Carson City, Nevada. They shared 33 wonderful years together. Later in life, Steve transitioned into the aviation field, blending his profession with a newfound passion by earning certification to fly small private aircraft. A career opportunity eventually brought him and Cheryl to South Texas, where they both retired and enjoyed their later years together.

Steve had an insatiable curiosity for understanding how things worked and loved hands-on learning. He also found great joy in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling to beautiful places such as Canada, Mexico, and most recently Ireland-always embracing nature whenever possible-as well as cooking and barbecuing. Steve also enjoyed events such as concerts, rodeos, air races as well as exploring national parks, historical sites, and museums.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Leadbetter, who passed away in November 2023. He is survived by his father, Richard; his wife, Cheryl; his daughters, Carrie and Kristen; his sisters, Nancy, Linda, and Carol; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and acquaintances across the U.S.

A memorial service will be set for a later date. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.