Steven Ochieng Smucker

Steven Ochieng Smucker, 30, passed away on November 2, 2025. Steven was born on November 6, 1994, in Kakamega, Kenya. He was separated from his parents at a young age and lived in various children's homes, as well as on his own, before being taken in by Rick and Audrey McIninch of Into Africa Ministries. In 2003, the Smucker family met Steven while volunteering at Into Africa's children's home. They decided to adopt him, and he joined the Smucker family in Harrisburg, Oregon, on December 24, 2004.

Steven attended Brownsville Mennonite School in Brownsville, Oregon, and graduated from high school there in 2013. He played football and did track and field at Harrisburg High School.

Steven completed the EMT and firefighter program at Chemeketa Community College and graduated in 2016. He also attended a paramedic training program in Nebraska.

Steven put his faith in Jesus at a young age and was baptized at Brownsville Mennonite Church in 2012. He was an excellent singer and sang a praise song for his new dad, Paul, while they were on the train from Kisumu to Nairobi, Kenya, to finalize his adoption. Later, he sang in the Oregon Children's Choir and the Joyful Noise choir.

Steven loved helping people and worked or volunteered as a firefighter for much of his adult life, in Harrisburg, Junction City, Eugene, Aurora, Newport, and Corvallis. He also worked one summer as a wildland firefighter.

Steven was an animal lover and could befriend any creature. He loved being outdoors where he could be found fishing, hiking, and surfing. He will be remembered for his gentleness, charm, and ability to get along with anyone.

Steven is believed to have been preceded in death by his biological parents and is survived by his adoptive parents, Paul and Dorcas Smucker, and his siblings, Matt Smucker (Phoebe), Amy Smucker, Emily Smucker, Ben Smucker, and Jenny Smucker.

There will be a public visitation at Brownsville Mennonite Church from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, November 6. There will be a public viewing from 10:00-10:45 AM at Fairview Mennonite Church in Albany, OR. The funeral will be on Friday, November 7, at 11:00 AM at Fairview Mennonite Church in Albany, OR.