Steven Phillip Marlett

Steven Phillip Marlett, 53, of Portage MI passed away unexpectedly on May 7th, 2025.

Steve was born July 15th, 1971, to Phil and Diane Marlett of Plainwell Michigan. Steve was raised by his parents in Plainwell and graduated from Plainwell High School where he was a member of the marching band, symphonic band and jazz band all four years. His talent on trombone lead to Steve being awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and the John Philip Sousa awards during his senior year. Along with many individual solo and ensemble first division ratings through his playing career.

Although his life was short it was full of love, excitement, and all the things he was most passionate about. Of the things he was passionate about bowling was the one constant for him. Starting at the age of 5 Steve flourished in the bowling community. He has earned multiple 300 and 800 awards, participated in several tournaments both locally and nationally, and served on the board of the Greater Kalamazoo Bowlers Association. His passion for bowling led him to the other passion in his life, his wife Heather. Standing in front of the fountains at the Bellagio he married Heather on April 28th, 2016. To say that she was the love of his life would be an understatement, anyone who saw them together knew just by the way he looked at her that she was truly his soulmate.

Steve loved his family fiercely, especially his children. He was proud of his children and all that they accomplished in life. Whether that mug meant attending band concerts, hockey games, volleyball, or cheer completions he was all in for his kids. His son and daughter Lucas Marlett and Lauren Marlett as well as his two bonus children Mackenzie (Cameron) Jones and Ethan Jones will always know that they were loved by him.

Steve was always busy and on the go he had many jobs through the years beginning with Hughes engraving from 1988-2012. Then moving on to start Ms. Heathers Friends Day Care with his wife Heather. Mr. Steve, as the kids called him, was a caregiver, friend, and mentor to many kids over the years. He made them laugh, listened to their fears, and taught them as many things as he could during the time he was with them. If he wasn’t busy enough shaping the minds of future generations, he took on whatever challenges and tasks his wife threw at him whether it was renovating the kitchen, building a deck, or siding the house he was all in. Starting in 2021 Steve began crafting with his wife Heather where they created HMM designs and began attending craft shows together.

Steve was proceeded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents and is survived by his Wife Heather Marlett, his parents Phil and Diane Marlett of Gobles, his children Lucas Marlett, Lauren Marlett, Mackenzie (Cameron) Jones, and Ethan Jones, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

His loss will be deeply grieved by those who knew him and more by those who loved him.

Following his wishes, Steve donated to gift of life and cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life gathering will commence on Saturday, July 12th starting at 2:00 p.m. at his home. Memorial donations can be made to the Greater Kalamazoo Bowling Association scholarship fund in his honor. www.gkbabowling.com.

While visiting Steve’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society; 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269 344-5600).