Stephen "Steve" Alwin Van Wechel

Stephen Alwin Van Wechel (Steve), 80 of Garden City, GA went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 18, 2025.

Steve was born on April 8, 1945 in Seattle, WA. He married Betty Catherine Anderson of Garden City, GA on August 22, 1967. After graduating from Covenant College, he entered the Army and served state-side from September of 1967 until May of 1971. He then got his masters of psychology at Georgia Southern and served as a psychologist for the Chatham County Board of Education until he retired in 2006.

Steve was a member of First Baptist Church, and lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. He found great joy in singing with the choir and narrating church plays. He played a cherished role each year in the Christmas Cantata, a tradition close to his heart. Steve had a deep love for children — especially his own children and grandchildren — and shared that same warmth with the children of close family friends, many of whom affectionately called him “Uncle Steve.”

He spent many years coaching youth sports, offering encouragement, guidance, and enthusiasm to every child he mentored. Steve’s love for cars stretched from his ‘56 Chevy Belair convertible to his 2021 Tesla (which prompted the Garden City police department to install speed bumps). He found joy in travelling home to Seattle to see his family and enjoy his childhood city. In later years, he was a steady and loving caregiver alongside Cathie for his mother-in-law. Steve had a gift for laughter and a genuine joy in making others smile — his humor and lighthearted spirit were a blessing to all who knew him.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife Cathie, his parents Alwin and Elizabeth Van Wechel, and his sister Barbara Henry Proctor. 

He is survived by his children Leigh Hinson (Al), Mark Van Wechel (Kim), grandchildren Nicholas Stephen Trist, Skylar Van Wechel, EllaKate and Campbell Hinson, Morgan Ledford, Rachel Ledford, and 4 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 at 10:00am, followed by a service beginning at 11am at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 35 Nelson Avenue Garden City, GA, 31408.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Thomaston Hospice Foundation at 512 South Center Street, Thomaston, GA 30286.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.com

Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80, Garden City, GA 31408. (912)964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com