Stewart, Steven Mark, 49, of Mesa, AZ died by suicide on May 1, 2020. He was born on Dec 13, 1970 at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs to SMSgt Michael L Stewart and Janice Turbin Cole, both graduates of Mesa High School Class of ’61.
Steven was raised in East Mesa, attending Jefferson Elementary, Fremont Jr High and Mesa High. He played Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football and loved fishing and camping trips. He was proud to follow in his parents’ footsteps and graduate Mesa High Class of ’88. Carry On, Jackrabbits!
Shortly after graduation Steven joined the U.S. Army and went to Boot Camp and Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then returned home and married his sweetheart, Barbie Ridgley. Their son, Kyle Andrew was born in Mesa in 1990, raised mostly in upstate New York and is currently serving his country in the U.S. Army.
Steven spent most of his post-Army career working in manufacturing and warehousing in the Phoenix area. He struggled with depression for most of his adult life and was constantly afflicted by medical ailments that were not easily diagnosed or treated. He loved family holiday and birthday gatherings, though, and was especially proud to be a Great- Uncle, never shy to hold the newest baby first.
Steven is survived by his Mother; sisters Debbie (Steve) Fournier and Stefanie Stewart Beck; brother Robert Stewart; son Kyle(Jaimee) Stewart; grandchildren Ainsley, Ellie and Archer; nieces Vanessa (Shawn) Woodrome, Krystle True, Melissa (Shiloh) Syvertsen and Lacy (Wes) Case; nephews Stephen, Justin, Samuel; stepmother Cindy Stewart and many great nieces & nephews that he dearly loved.
He was predeceased by his Father, sister Krystine True and nephews Levi Beck and Sawyer Syvertsen.
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or EMPACT’s 24 hour crisis hotline at 480-784-1500 if you need help but don’t know what to say. You are not alone.
You can also make a charitable contribution to Suicide Prevention Center to help make a difference.