Name: Celebration of Life for Steven Anthony Deal
Start: 2025-01-25T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-01-25T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Admiral Baker Club House

Steven Anthony Deal, a devoted father, husband, son, uncle, and community pillar, passed away peacefully in San Diego, California, on July 1, 2024, at the age of 71 after battling lung and brain cancer. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on December 13, 1952. His life was marked by a profound commitment to his family, friends, and his community. He left behind a legacy of service, innovation, and compassion.

Steve graduated from James Madison High School in San Diego, where he was involved with the school newsletter and was a member of JROTC. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1971, where he served as a radar technician, honing his technical skills and developing a lifelong dedication to excellence and discipline. His service took him to Mississippi, Texas, Germany (where he found a way to roast chickens with the radar equipment), and Opheim, Montana.

After his honorable discharge, he channeled his expertise into entrepreneurship, always looking for better ways to do things, founding Indyme Electronics in his garage in 1986. Under his leadership and vision as CEO & President for more than 25 years, Indyme grew into an internationally respected name in the retail customer service industry, known for its innovation and integrity. Customers in many popular retail stores still benefit from pressing the Indyme "HELP" button, announcing "Service needed in X department."

Prior to launching Indyme, he held management and technical positions at Scientific-Atlanta, Datagraphix, Anaconda Telecommunications, and Action Instruments. His work took him as far as Oman in Western Asia. He was also Chief Engineer of two San Diego radio stations. He was a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Electronics, held a business degree from Grossmont College, and was awarded multiple U.S. patents.

Steve's impact extended far beyond his business ventures. He embraced every opportunity to help others until shortly before his death. He was an ardent volunteer with the American Red Cross, Southern California Region, dedicating countless hours to disaster relief efforts and community support. His work with the Red Cross was particularly notable during major emergencies, where his organizational skills and calm demeanor were invaluable, such as at hurricane disaster sites in Georgia and Texas. In addition, he volunteered as President with the Hardhats Toastmasters Club, where he mentored individuals in public speaking and leadership, fostering personal and professional growth.

His dedication to community service also led him to work with Donovan Prison's TEDx Program, where he contributed to rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism and providing inmates with opportunities for a fresh start. His efforts at Donovan Prison reflected his belief in second chances and the potential for personal transformation. Steve was also a devoted board member of the San Diego Rescue Mission, an organization focused on addressing homelessness and providing critical support services to those in need. His tenure on the board was marked by a strategic vision and a compassionate approach, helping to steer the organization through both challenges and successes. He was a mentor for many over the years, especially those struggling to begin and maintain small businesses.

Above all, Steve was a loving family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Victoria (Viki); daughters Chandra Deal and Cristina Estrada; son Chad; mother Winona Crum; stepfather RMC Walter (Ray) Crum, USN (retired); stepmother Charlene Deal; grandchildren Kelsi, Ella, and Quinn Estrada; and siblings Dale Crum, Raymond Crum, Lindy Hartig, Melody Ewing, Jason Deal, and Judy Tessier. He was predeceased by his father CWO4 Robert E. Deal, USN (retired), and his brother Jerald Deal. His family was his cornerstone, and his love and dedication to them were the driving forces behind his many endeavors. He was always there to help guide his nephews as they progressed through teen-years into young adults. He loved large family gatherings, events, campouts, and he creatively hosted many of them.

In remembering Steve, we honor a life well-lived, a life characterized by professional excellence, unwavering service to others, and a deep, abiding love for his family and God. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefit the countless lives he touched through his work and his heart. His leadership, compassion, and dedication to service will be remembered and cherished by many. His life was a beacon of what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

Steven A. Deal will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his exceptional contributions and the profound impact he made on the world. His spirit of service, innovation, and love will remain a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 25, at Admiral Baker Club House, 2400 Admiral Baker Rd, San Diego, CA 92124.

Visit tinyurl.com/SteveDealCOL to RSVP.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the San Diego Rescue Mission or the American Red Cross, organizations dear to Steve's heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times of San Diego from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Deal

Sponsored by Featheringill Mortuary.

3 Entries

Liz Childres and Sam Goldstein

Planted Trees

Lindy Hartig

December 29, 2024

Steve is my oldest sibling, and brother. There were five of us kids altogether. Our age span ranged 10 years. Steve seemed so much older than the rest of us back then and by default he was `the boss´ and we respectfully followed his lead.

I was 7 years junior and recall the admiration I held of him as I observed his independence and his interests. He used to hike down to Mission Valley and catch crawdad in the San Diego River returning home to share with the rest of us. I was amazed he could do that and he always shrugged it off saying it was easy all he needed was some raw liver for bait because they could not resist it. I never really knew where he learned that skill but I would venture to guess the knowledge came from his boy scouting activities.

Steve´s biological father was stationed in foreign lands. While I was still in elementary school Steve departed to live with his father in the Philippines. It was very hard for me to comprehend that circumstance. He was my brother, period. Adults tried to explain he was my half-brother, but that was nonsense to me, he either is or is not my brother and he definitely was. We missed him during his absence. When he returned he brought gifts. For me he brought two purses, which I adored and still hold dear to this day.

He was high school age when he returned. He joined the ROTC and was even more impressionable while donning the full dress uniform. He was a serious student but also loved to laugh and play mind games on those of us who were gullible. That was never ending as he and his best friend, Wayne Beresford (Bear) had plenty of subjects just in siblings alone. But that teasing was all in good fun, they were never mean or hurtful with their antics.

Steve had his own car, which was another thing I admired back then. You have to realize those were the days of black and white tv´s, it was a simpler time, not everyone could own a car and certainly not many high school age students. One night I was delighted to be up real late when Steve and Wayne arrived home. We sat around the kitchen table visiting when they decided to go get some Jack In The Box. I could not go with them so they decided to bring it home and share with me. That was a moment in time I really enjoyed. Sometimes it is just the little things that leave the biggest impressions.

In seemingly short order Steve joined the military and was off again. He told me he was going to be drafted in to the US Army and sent off to fight the war in Vietnam. By volunteering to join the Air force he would likely avoid the ground infantry. I worried for his well being but thought his approach seemed of good logic.

During his years of service our family took a road trip to the town he was stationed in which was Opheim Montana, I think it was less than 15 miles south of the Canadian border, and boy was it cold up there! I do not recall how large the town was back then but according to the 2020 US Census the population was 75. Hmm... we encountered a grasshopper invasion when we traveled there. No kidding, there were billions of grasshoppers. They lined the roadway with such density that their appearance was carpet like. As we drove they would react and jump up in front of our vehicle. Upon arriving we had the same experience while walking. It was nightmarish to be candid.

He sojourned on to Germany and eventually returned again to the U.S.A. where he met his wife Viki at the church they mutually attended. They built a lovely family and a thriving business and climbed from modest beginnings to a comfortable lifestyle.

While I became extended family I still always admired Steve´s dedication in pursuing his dreams and building piece by piece all he was capable of doing to create the life he dreamt of.

As his life progressed, time passing would find him in retirement and with two of three children off and living on their own. Steve became even more involved with his parents and siblings during that phase. We got to spend more time with him and his wife and learned more about the organizations he dedicated his time towards.

His illness was first discovered around July of 2023 and he valiantly and bravely faced the draconian treatments with courage and even enthusiasm as he was certain he would overcome his maladies. He set priorities to host or encourage other family members to host get togethers, this became increasingly important to him as I´m sure he was forced by circumstance to face the probability of his own mortality.

We are thankful for those times we were together and are equally heartbroken to have lost Steve just one year in to his battle for his life. They say, "only the good die young", and that phrase certainly fits in the case of Steve Deal. Rest in peace, my brother, you are missed and will forever live on in our hearts and souls.