Steven Lee Durham

Steven L. Durham, 76, of Eldon, IA, was called home on his birthday, Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery immediately following the service. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Living Hope Bible Church with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Steve's honor may be directed to the family. Friends may leave online condolences and join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Steven Lee Durham entered this life on March 2, 1949, in rural Floris, IA, the son of Archie and Vera Ritz Durham. His love for farming, animals and everything outdoors started at an early age. He attended country school #5 for his early education before going to Troy and eventually finished his education at Davis County High School. Upon graduation he returned home to farm alongside his father on their livestock operation. It was here where a cowboy was born. Steve began working as a farrier, shoeing horses across the state. He also began bull riding and would spend his summers traveling to county fairs and rodeos. During this time Steve married Janna Silvers and became the proud father of two daughters, Valerie and Melissa. Steve and Janna went their separate ways, and the girls soon became rodeo kids not wanting to miss a fair or a rodeo and cheering their dad on. It was here they gained so many lifelong rodeo friends and family. Steve was one the first members when the Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association started in 1976, being cardholder #41. He always found joy in watching his girls show horses and compete in rodeos and their various sporting activities over the years. He told many stories and brought great laughter and fun during the annual Ft. Madison Trail ride with the Durham Trail Riders Saddle Club.
Steve had always called the farmhouse home, but in 2001 he moved just a few miles away and married the love of his life LouAnne Kellermann. The two met at the sale barn where LouAnne was selling some of her exotic animals. This chance meeting began their ride together into the sunset. They began their journey as husband and wife on July 20, 2002, in Branson, MO. They expanded the operation to include camels and reindeer and remained by each other's side for over 22 years.
Steve always cherished the outdoors. He enjoyed coon and deer hunting, as well as long walks looking for mushrooms and artifacts. He was an active member in the Hawkeye State Archeological Association where he showcased his many discoveries. He always had a way with kids and never missed an opportunity for a horseback ride. The love and support that he showed his daughters throughout their life only blossomed with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With the tip of our hat, we say farewell to a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and true cowboy. He will be deeply missed, but his ride will be forever remembered.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Bill Trout and Judith Liles.
Left to honor his legacy is his wife, LouAnne of Eldon, IA; two daughters, Valerie (Steve) Hulsizer of Bloomfield, IA and Melissa (Kim) Ostrander of Eldon, IA; two stepsons, Michael (Tracy) Mehsikomer and Jason (Beth) Mehsikomer both of Minnesota; five grandchildren, Clayton Hulsizer, Allison (Mac) Chilton, Drew (Makenzie) Ostrander, Leea (Trevor) Drish and Brinlee Ostrander; four step-grandchildren, Mason, Landon, Evan, and Brayden Mehsikomer; two siblings, Karen (Jon) Orman and Donna "Duck" (Todd) Durham, brother-in-law Wally Wayne Liles, as well as eight great-grandchildren, a special friend, Kandis DeWitt, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.