John Robert Steen

John Robert Steen, passed away on September 27, 2025, in Pennington Gap, Virginia, at the age of 69.

Born and raised in Portland, Indiana, John was lovingly given the nickname “Chicko” by his grandparents, John and Rhoda Steen — a name that remained a beloved part of his identity throughout his life. John had a deep appreciation for life’s journey, which took him from Indiana to homes in Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia.

A gifted athlete, John spent his teen years excelling in sports — playing on the baseball, swim, and horseshoe teams. He was named Swimmer of the Year and proudly won the County Horseshoe Championship. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts, showing leadership and dedication from a young age.

After high school, John honorably served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he found a lifelong career as a truck driver — a perfect fit for his love of travel. His adventures to new places often brought him peace and became a meaningful part of his life. John had a remarkable photographic memory and had the uncanny ability to recall every road, interstate, and town he had ever passed through. His sense of direction and knowledge of the open road amazed everyone who knew him.

John was always kind to his family. He loved his parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He always ended every conversation with, “You know, I love you.”

John enjoyed the beauty of a quiet and simple life, especially in the mountains of Cumberland Gap with his wife Tammy. He loved hiking, roller skating, listening to music, walking in nature, and savoring a warm plate of beans, cornbread, and ham — his favorite meal. His favorite colors were stonewash blue and red, a reflection of his calm spirit and passionate heart.

Above all, John will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his generosity, and the enduring way he touched the lives of those around him.

John is survived by his loving mother, Phyllis Jean Bolin, and his uncle, Floyd “Moe” Steen (wife Helen). He is also survived by his five siblings:

Teresa Kay (Steen) Bergman and husband Calvin BergmanRoberta Lynn SteenBradley Eugene Steen and wife Sandy WarrenDavid Edgar Steen and partner Patty HawthroneRussell Dean Bolin

He leaves behind his children and stepchildren:

William Daniel Steen and wife Amy Steen, along with his mother Sherry StokesJewell (Steen) Mayhew and fiancé Alex Mason, along with her deceased mother HelenVeronica McFall and husband Jory McFallVictoria WadeMichael Wade

His legacy lives on in his beloved grandchildren:

JayLynn Mayhew, MataLeeah Mayhew, Bryer Mayhew, BrayLina Mayhew, AddaLynn Mason, Jaxon McFall, Jensen McFall, and Jager McFall

John will also be fondly remembered by a large extended family of nieces and nephews: Kent, Kindra, Kirsten, Rachel, Rebekah, RuthAnn, Renee, Jesse, Hunter, Grace, Alisa, David, Cierra, Russell, Carlina, Carl, and Dillon.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Tammy Wade (Steen), his father William Robert Steen, grandparents John Robert Steen, Rhoda Steen, John Berry Brock, and Marjorie Lena Brock, grandson Easton Daniel Steen, and several aunts and uncles

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4-7:30 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. A memorial service will follow at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, allowing family and friends to gather in remembrance of a truly special life.