David Ervin Steddum

David Ervin Steddum, 69, of Chouteau, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2025. Born on March 5, 1955, in Wichita, Kansas, to Floyd and Eileen (Darby) Steddum, David’s life was a testament to hard work, community spirit, and unwavering faith. After attending United Electronics School in Oklahoma City, he embarked on a distinguished career as an engineer with Solae. Over 43 years, his dedication and expertise enriched his field, culminating in a well-deserved retirement on his 65th birthday. Beyond his professional achievements, David was a cherished community member. His service on the Chouteau School Board underscored his commitment to education and the well-being of future generations. David’s passions extended far beyond the workplace. He found joy in working with cows, engaging in woodworking and carpentry, and improving his rent houses—a reflection of his hands-on approach to life. Family was at the heart of David’s life. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart and homecoming queen, Cheryl Cole, forging a partnership built on love and mutual respect. Together, they raised a family that brought him immeasurable joy, and his deep affection for his children and grandchildren was apparent to all who knew him. His adventurous spirit was equally evident on the open road. A devoted motorcycle enthusiast, he rode proudly with both the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) and the Wild Pigeons, exploring the beauty of the United States alongside lifelong friends. Above all, David’s greatest passion was his faith. His love for Jesus guided his every action, and he made it his mission to share that light with everyone around him. His legacy of kindness, service, and spiritual devotion will continue to inspire and comfort those whose lives he touched. David will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community. His memory lives on in the many lives he enriched, and his spirit will forever ride on in the hearts of those who loved him.

David is survived by his wife, Cheryl Steddum of the home; his children, Jenny Holliday and her husband Chris of Pryor, Oklahoma, Terri Chang and her husband Kong of Edmond, Oklahoma and Brian Steddum and his wife Sara of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his mother, Eileen Steddum of Chouteau, Oklahoma; his grandsons, Hunter and Cole Holliday of Pryor, Oklahoma; his brothers, Stephen Steddum of Bristow, Oklahoma and Ronnie Steddum of Chouteau, Oklahoma; his sister, Patricia Quigley and her husband Tim of Chouteau, Oklahoma; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Steddum.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Life Fellowship Church in Pryor with Pastor Joey Dean officiating and John Maberry reading the eulogy. Burial will follow in the Chouteau West Cemetery with David Becker, Russell Spencer, Steve Boone, Steve Hall, Virgil Bradshaw, Bob Colbert, and grandsons, Hunter Holliday and Cole Holliday serving as casket bearers.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.