Steve Napier

Steve L Napier was born on May 22, 1945 in Safford, Arizona to William "Buster" Everett Napier and Minion Lofgreen Napier. He attended Thatcher public schools graduating in 1963. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Oregon. He attended Eastern Arizona College where he met and married Abby Jean Reed on August 23, 1967. He transferred to Northern Arizona University to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in business and education. He later continued his education and completed a master's degree at the University of Arizona. Steve and Jean were blessed with three children, Carol, Becky and Joseph. Steve was briefly married to Marna Logan and they were blessed with one son, William "Billy" Napier.
Throughout his life Steve taught in the business education department at Coconino High School, Safford High School and quite a few different high schools in the Phoenix Union High School district. He retired from teaching in 2004?. After his retirement, he moved back to the Gila Valley to be close to his children and grandchildren. Steve and Jean remarried on August 29, 2009 and were sealed in the Gila Valley Temple in 2011. Steve enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family. Steve is survived by: his wife, Abby Jean; his daughters, Carol (DWayne) Elders, Becky (Eric) Scarlett; his sons, Joseph (Amy) and William "Billy" (Becca); his sister, Chloe Ann Roden; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grand children; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by: his parents, William and Minion; his brothers, Fred and Wilburn; and his sister Zola Judi.
A Celebration of Steve's Life will be conducted Friday morning, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Justin Echols of the Thatcher Fourth Ward. Concluding services will follow in the Central Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday morning, August 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Steve, please visit our Tree Store.