Steven Ray Prigmore

Steven "Steve" Ray Prigmore, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, left us on September 26, 2025, at the age of 79. Steve was born on June 25, 1946, in Bell, California, and passed away peacefully in Menifee, California, surrounded by his loving family. His life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and his country.

After graduating from Bell High School, Steve's sense of duty led him to join the Army at the young age of 20. He served with pride and honor in Vietnam, an experience that shaped his strong-willed and patriotic character. Steve continued his life of service as a Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Commerce, where he diligently oversaw the upkeep of the city's parks for 21 years.

Steve's heart was fullest when he was surrounded by his beloved wife of 28 years, Linda, and family. Steve has two children, Robert and Laurie, and two stepdaughters, Lorraine and Cynthia. Steve's joy was multiplied by his grandchildren Matthew, Joshua, Madeline, Jacob, Brianna, Marlee, Tyler, Brandon, Payton, Triston and Erin, and later, his great-grandchildren Granger, Maverick, Camden, and the much-anticipated Nora.

As a man who loved to spoil his wife, Steve was always ready to go along with Linda's plans, whether it was a simple outing or an elaborate adventure. One of their biggest adventures was when Steve and Linda sold their house in the suburbs in 2011 and moved to Forest Falls, California where they lived for years in a cabin enjoying nature with countless bear encounters. Steve always made sure Linda was driving in style in the latest and greatest Mini Cooper she had her eye on, and he would also insist on using duct tape to wrap all of his Christmas and birthday presents to Linda to ensure she couldn't peek and see what they were. As Harley Davidson enthusiasts, together, Steve and Linda enjoyed the freedom of the open road, a feeling that was only rivaled by their mutual love for slot machines during their escapades to Las Vegas and Laughlin.

The grandkids loved to stay the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa growing up. Grandpa Steve would take the grandkids to get donuts – he had a big sweet tooth! He loved to tease the kids that he was charging for food and lodging, as well as pool-usage whenever they stayed over. He would also accompany them to the skatepark down the street where he would "drop-in" on his bike to show the grandkids how it's done.

In his younger days before going off to the war, he enjoyed the thrill of surfing in Huntington Beach. His playful and youthful soul shone through in his enjoyment of sledding down his driveway, even when no one was around to sled with him. A perfect day for Steve was napping while floating in his pool with a cold beer, but only after he'd finished what seemed like the work of three men in a day. Steve could almost always be found tinkering in his garage, working in the garden or chatting with neighbors. Steve was always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge with those around him, especially in his expertise of all things irrigation. Steve deeply loved all of his pets that he had throughout his life and would honor them after they passed by making each one a memorial sign out of wood. He also loved building birdhouses and reindeer out of things he would find for family and friends in his spare time.

Preceded in death by his brother Philip, as well as his parents, Ninia "Jewel" and James "Paul." Steve's legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved and the community he served. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, commitment, and joy in life's simple pleasures.

Steve's memory will be carried forward by those who knew him best – a man who was strong-willed, patriotic, playful, and eternally youthful in spirit. His absence will be deeply felt, but the memories he created will continue to bring smiles and warmth to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life was well-lived and his love well-given.