Stephen O'Dell Birchfield

Stephen O'Dell Birchfield, Sr., 81, of Bull Creek, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2025, at Saint Louis University Hospital. He was born on July 21, 1944, in Welch, West Virginia, to Ethel and Everett Birchfield. Steve grew up in a close-knit, Christian home, surrounded by love from his sister, Carol, and brothers, Tom and Charles. His earliest school days were spent in a one-room schoolhouse in Bee Branch, where he first learned the values of hard work, faith, and kindness. He later graduated from Iaeger High School, holding onto his Iaeger Cubs pride for the rest of his life. From an early age, Steve had an insatiable curiosity and a love for reading. As a boy, he would sneak down to the cellar just to get lost in a good book, even the great epics of Homer, The Iliad and The Odyssey. His hunger for knowledge stayed with him his whole life. After high school, Steve moved to Indiana to live with his uncles, Syd and Emzy Allen. Soon after, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an electronics specialist. The skills he learned there became the foundation for his long and respected career as an electrician, a trade he worked in until his well-earned retirement. While Steve's work gave him purpose, his greatest joy came from his family. During a visit back home to West Virginia, he reconnected with Freda, a girl he'd known since those one-room schoolhouse days. She quickly became the love of his life, and the two built a beautiful 57-year marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and steadfast love. Together, they raised two wonderful children and were blessed with two cherished grandchildren. Steve will be remembered for his gentle heart, quick wit, and unwavering faith. He had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, and he gave generously of his time and talents to family, friends, and neighbors. He is survived by his devoted wife, Freda Birchfield; daughter, Stephanie (Glenn) Young; son, Stephen Birchfield, Jr.; grandchildren, Leif Young and Lake Young; sister, Carol Jones; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Everett and Ethel Birchfield, and his brothers, Tom and Charles Birchfield. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, West Virginia. Steve's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and kindness, a steady light that will continue to shine in the lives of those who were blessed to know him. Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com