Steve Charles Rader

1946 - 2024

Steve Charles Rader, born September 26, 1946 in Monroe, Louisiana, to Charles Willis Rader and Frances Reitzell Rader passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and niece on June 18, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Suzanne Gremillion Rader of Slaughter, 2 sons David Rader of Monroe and Chris Walden (Desha) of Slaughter, special niece Arianna Lord (Donnie) of Slaughter, niece, Jennifer Lanthorn (Matt) of Boca Raton, FL, niece, Shannon Aldridge (Joel) of Port Lucie, brother Wayne Rader (Nettie) of Port St. Lucie, Florida, granddaughters Landry Rader of Charleston, South Carolina, and Emilié Tallo (Cole) of Hammond, sister-in-law Monique Lord (Brad) of Slaughter and brother-in-law Curt Gremillion (Shelia) of Slaughter. While Steve was born in Monroe, he grew up in Greeneville, Tennessee until the age of 10 years old, where he was surrounded by his father's side of his family. Steve's family then moved to Monroe, Louisiana where his mother was from. Steve graduated high school in 1964 from Ouachita Parish High School. He then went on to attend Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM). From there, he graduated in 1970 with a degree in Government. Steve served as Lance Corporal in the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Battalion from 1966 until 1967. While there, Steve was awarded with 3 Purple Heart Awards and 2 Bronze Stars with Valor. Steve served in 13 operations in Vietnam including operations Shelbyville, Mississippi, Swift, Prairie, Lincoln, Tuscaloosa, Independence, Union 1, Union 2, LeNoke, New Castle, Arizona, and Calhoun. In Vietnam, he developed lifelong friendships with Eugene "Russian" Rasmussen and Harold Wadley. Steve began his career working for the State of Louisiana in March of 1970 in the Department of Civil Service. He then worked as the Personnel Manager at Louisiana State Penitentiary until 1974, where he became the Human Resource Manager at Earl K. Long Hospital. Then, in 1976, Steve returned to the Department of Corrections as the Human Resources Manager where he stayed until 1982. In 1982, Steve accepted a position as the Deputy Superintendent at East Louisiana State Mental Hospital in Jackson, Louisiana. In 1984, Steve returned to his position as the Human Resource Manager for the Department of Corrections. From there, he moved to Haynesville, Louisiana and worked as the Deputy Warden at Wade Correctional Center in 1986. The next year, he became the Warden at Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy, Louisiana where he stayed for 10 years. In 1997, Steve and his wife moved to East Feliciana Parish and Steve began working at Dixon Correctional Institute as Deputy Warden. In 2008, Steve was promoted to Warden at DCI. After 43 years of working for the State of Louisiana, Steve retired from DCI in 2014. An active member in his community, Steve served as an Alderman for the Town of Slaughter for nearly 4 years. Steve was very passionate about making his community a better place to live. Steve was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed ULM and LSU sports. He enjoyed attending car shows and loved each of his 6 corvettes. Steve loved spending time at his second home in the East Tennessee Mountains where he enjoyed the wildlife and the beauty of the nature around him. A strong Christian, Steve accepted Jesus Christ into his heart at the age of 8 at the First Baptist Church of Monroe, where he, his brother, and their parents were members. Steve trusted in our Lord and Savior during times of uncertainty and illness as he fought his brave 10-month battle against brain cancer. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Frances Reitzell Rader and Charles Willis Rader, Uncle Harry Rader, and granddaughter Abigail Rader. Pallbearers will be Chris Walden, Curt Gremillion, Donnie Lord, Brad Lord, Gary Shotwell, and Chris Calbert. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eugene "Russian" Rasmussen, Harold Wadley, Richard Stalder, Jimmy LeBlanc, Kelly Ward, and Steve Winham. Steve's family would like to send special thanks to The Neuromedical Center Care Team and Rehab and The Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing. We are so appreciative of the outstanding care Steve received and they will always hold a special place in our hearts. Steve had such a big heart for animals, which led him to help establish Pen Pal's Inc Animal Shelter at DCI after Hurricane Katrina. In lieu of flowers, Steve's family would prefer donations to be made to Pen Pal's Inc Animal Shelter and Must Luv Dogs Rescue Donations can be made through penpalsrescue.com or checks may be mailed to Pen Pal's Inc., P.O. Box 788, Jackson, LA 70748 or Must Luv Dogs Rescue, P.O. Box 1381, Zachary, LA 70791. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Zachary on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Rev. Basil Wicker. Burial will follow in Redwood Cemetery, Slaughter.