Stephen Ray Middleton

Stephen Ray Middleton
1944 – 2023
LaPorte, IN: Stephen Ray Middleton, 78, LaPorte, IN passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at a care center in Michigan City, Indiana.
He was born September 4, 1944 in Princeton, MO the son of Lawrence Addison and Carol Vivian (Maxwell) Middleton. Stephen grew up on a farm northwest of Princeton, MO.
He graduated from Princeton High School in 1962. Stephen then started working for the railroad. In Oct of 1964 he married Catholene Rockhold in Lineville, IA. They had a daughter Shelly Rae and later divorced. He served in the United States Army from 1967 - 1969 where he was a brave and decorated soldier, receiving 6 medals while serving in Vietnam. In Aug 1969 Steve married Linda Lou Ladner in Colorado Springs, CO. They had 2 boys Scot Ryan and Kelly Ross. Linda preceded him in death in 1993. On October 22, 1994 Stephen married Juanita Luchene in Michigan City, IN. She survives him at home.
Stephen retired from the NICTD railroad as Supervisor of track maintenance after 32 years.
He always enjoyed his dogs, a cigarette and cold beer, reading western novels, watching nature shows, fishing and was an avid hunter his whole life. Stephen also enjoyed his grand babies which brought a twinkle to his blue eyes. He will be dearly missed by family and those that called him friend.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lawrence Wayne "Larry" Middleton and second wife, Linda Lou Middleton.
Survivors in addition to his wife, Juanita; daughter, Shelly (Doug) Emerick, Geneseo, IL and sons, Scot (Toni) Middleton, Michigan City, IN, and Kelly (Liz) Middleton, LaPorte, IN; step children David (Kim) Luchene, Michigan City, IN; Melinda (Paul) Pickens, Michigan City, IN; 10 grandchildren, Courtney (Connor), Michael, Jessica (Glen), Erika (Keston), Hunter, Sage, Alexis, T. J., Jacob and Alexa; 6 great-grandchildren, Blake, Beau, Kash, Krew, Jack and Case and twins due in July; sister, Katherine Middleton, Lees Summit, MO; 4 brothers, Philip (Shiloa) Middleton, Princeton, MO, Garry (Laura) Middleton, Cove, OR; Mark (Teri) Middleton, Unionville, MO and Doug (Fay) Middleton, St. Joseph, MO and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 24 at Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Burial with Military Rites will be at the Ravanna Cemetery, Ravanna, MO. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and/or the Stephen Middleton Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.