William Steven Covington

Steve Covington, born on 15 April 1952 at Home Hospital in Lafayette, IN to Bill and Phyllis Covington, passed away on 9 August 2025 at Rosewalk Village Nursing Facility. He is now in his Father's arms, his body whole and his spirit at peace. Steve was a gentle and loving person, full of grace, when his experiences in life should have made him bitter or angry. Institutionalized for 29 years at Central State Hospital, Steve's life-- for part of the time-- was a lack of adequate care and often abuse. He was beaten, burned with cigarettes, and tied up in his bed or chair for hours at a time. Things changed for the better in 1994 when the Governor of Indiana closed Central State Hospital. Steve boldly told his new case manager that, "I dream of being treated right." He had no desire for revenge for past cruelties, but just a simple wish for something that is a God-given right of every human being, but which he had not experienced for decades. In 2010, Steve moved to Lafayette, IN under the care of Wabash Center and the watchful eye of his sister, Erika Dawn. These were the happiest years of his life. He was treated with respect and given choices in life that had never been possible. Steve fiercely loved Jesus, his nieces, Erin and Jessica Steuterman, his parents, his brother-in-law, Ron Steuterman, and his sisters, Gina Covington and Erika Dawn Steuterman. He also loved frogs, church, Bible study, country western music, classical music, SpongeBob SquarePants, Snow White, watches, radios, NPR, the Colts, and Arby's Jamocha shakes. And, like all people who are young at heart, he loved Little Golden Books. As he was preparing to meet his Lord, he listened to his sister Erika Dawn read from the books he loved. The "Poky Little Puppy" carried Steve right into heaven. When a visitor came, Steve made a point to tell that person he or she was loved. Steve wanted to shake hands and tell you he was your guardian angel. His beautiful outlook on life, in spite of past mistreatments, is a testimonial to the love Steve had for others. A sincere thanks to Deb of Wabash Center; Kelsey of Homecare by Design; the team at IU Hospice, especially James; and the team at Rosewalk Village, especially Nurse Jeremy, for taking such loving care of Steve. Visitation will be held 10am – 11am on 18 August 2025 at Hippensteel Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 11am Pastor Gladys Nwabah officiating. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memory Gardens in Whitestown, IN. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wabash Center of Lafayette, IN in Steve's name. Share memories and condolence online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com