Stephen Coriell

Stephen Allan Coriell was born on August 2, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN. He was the youngest of three children born to Eugene & Margaret Louise Coriell. As a pastor's child, Steve moved with his family wherever the Lord led, spending most of his childhood in various towns throughout Louisiana.
After high school, Steve attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. He entered the United States Air Force in November of 1963 at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and embarked on over seven years of service as a Sergeant in the Air Force Band. In July 1965, Steve married his loving wife, Carolyn.
Steve entered the civilian workforce after his honorable discharge from the Air Force, working twenty years in the grocery business. After retiring as a grocer, he worked another twenty years, many of which were with the Vernon Parish Schools in transportation. Steve was in his element as a school bus driver, sharing in the lives of countless cherished children with special needs that he transported to and from school.
Steve's love of music began as a child. He was his high school's drum major, a passion that carried with him to the Air Force and the churches he was a part of. He was accomplished on several instruments, and his genre of choice was Southern Gospel music.
Steve will be remembered for his strong faith in Christ. He was a part of different church bodies in Louisiana, where he could be found operating sound on Sunday mornings. Most recently, he was a member at Friendly Baptist Church in Branson.
Steve entered into Heaven on April 23, 2025, from his hospital room, surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Bob Coriell and Judy Burns.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carolyn Coriell of Branson; daughter, Stephanie & husband John Wilson of Sugarland, TX; and son, Lee & wife Jennifer Coriell of Tontitown, AR. Steve loved his grandkids and great-grandkids beyond measure. He was the beloved PaPa of Eva & husband Don Duplan and sons Donny and Anthony Duplan; Stephen Wilson; Theodore Wilson; Courtney & husband Brenden Johnson and daughter Eleanor; and Carter Coriell.
Services will be Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Friendly Baptist Church in Branson, MO. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with funeral services to follow at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at a later date in Silver Creek Cemetery, Leesville, LA.
In Steve's memory, memorials may be made to the Compassionate Ministry, c/o Friendly Baptist Church, 2751 Kirkland Drive, Branson, MO 65616.
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