Steve K. Burns

Stephen "Steve" Kent Burns, 76, of Lewiston, passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 25, 1949, in Clarkston, to Max and Margorie Burns.

He attended Clarkston schools and graduated from Clarkston High School in 1968 where he played baseball and was an exceptional track athlete. He later went on to attend commercial art schools in both Yakima, and in Portland, Ore. Upon returning to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, he combined his artistic abilities with a talent for welding, making customs boat trailers, stair railings and signs that you can still see in the valley today. He spent many years working side-by-side with his father, Max, during which time they worked on a variety of buildings, private homes and several custom projects.

Shortly after high school he married Tena Thomas and they had two daughters, Tracy and Amanda. He later married Judy White Raykovich and that resulted in two sons, Shawn Raykovich and Casey Burns.

Steve was had a passion for guitars, having started his own band in high school, he continued playing and collecting guitars and enjoyed playing with several friends here in the valley. He was also an avid trap shooter, winning several awards ant the gun club over the years and making great friends along the way.

The true pride of his life were his children, daughters Tracy Burns, Amanda Schwartz (Neil) and his sons Shawn Raykovich (Julie) and Casey Burns, along with his grandchildren, Tanner Schwarz, Kaden Schwartz (Maylana), Megan Geockner (Aaron), Max and Sam Martin and Jase Raykovich. He was also excited to gain two great grandsons, Sean Schwartz and Rueben Geockner.

Steve was preceded in death by his son, Steven Kent Jr. "Casey" and both of his parents. In addition to his remaining children and grandchildren, he is survived by his former wife and life partner, Judy Burns, brother, Craig Burns (Marsha), of Clarkston, and many many dear friends. A special thanks to the crew up at "Charlie's" for helping him through these past few months. He loved you all so much.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston, followed by a celebration of life from 3-5 p.m., at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, 3444 Country Club Drive, Lewiston. All friends are welcome - please bring your best "Burns" stories, we know there are many.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley at poweroftheclub.org, or to a charity of your choice.