Stephen E "Steve" Thompson

Stephen "Steve" E. Thompson, age 77, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, hard work, and devotion to family that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Steve was born on January 15, 1949, in Baird, Texas, to Fred and Patricia (Mitchell) Thompson. He spent his formative years in Oklahoma, graduating from high school in Clinton, Oklahoma, in 1967. He went on to pursue higher education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education - a reflection of his lifelong respect for learning and knowledge.

A proud patriot, Steve honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His military service remained an important part of his identity throughout his life, and he continued that commitment through his active involvement in the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where he supported and advocated for fellow veterans.

On September 26, 1975, Steve married the love of his life, Gwen Sanders, in Wheeler, Texas. Together, they built a strong and enduring marriage rooted in love, faith, and partnership. The couple was blessed with three children, and in 2011, they relocated from Chickasha to Grove, Oklahoma, where they became deeply connected to the community they called home.

Steve devoted many years of his professional life to the oil field and refinery industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication. He spent 21 years with DCP Midstream, retiring in 2011. His contributions were respected by colleagues and peers alike, and his work was a source of pride for him and his family.

A man of faith, Steve was an active and cherished member of Grove First Baptist Church. He found great joy in serving within the church community, particularly enjoying his time working in the kitchen and making desserts. His faith guided his life and shaped the kindness and generosity he shared with others.

Steve embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He enjoyed participating on trivia teams, watching birds, tending to his bird feeders, and faithfully keeping up with "Jeopardy." A devoted fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team. He also enjoyed fishing, home maintenance, and gardening. Alongside Gwen, Steve treasured traveling with local groups, celebrating anniversaries, and creating lasting memories together.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Gwen Thompson; his children, Brad Thompson (Jennifer) of Clinton, Oklahoma, Trent Thompson (Tiffany) of Bessie, Oklahoma, and Michelle Hadley (Kris) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his brother, Victor Thompson of El Dorado, New Mexico; grandchildren and one great grandchild. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Phillip, Mark, and Danny.

Memorial services with military rites will be held at Grove First Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, under the caring direction of Nichols Stephens Funeral Home. His life and military service will be honored in a ceremony reflecting his devotion to his country, community, and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve's memory to The Gideons or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Grove, Oklahoma, organizations that were especially meaningful to him.

Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his passion for life, his unwavering faith, and the joy he brought to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.