Steve F. Caughman

With immense sadness, we announce the recent passing of our beloved Steve F. Caughman, age 68.

In acknowledgement to his lineage, Mr. Caughman is predeceased by his parents Guy Caughman and Julie Meetze Caughman; he is survived by his step-mother, Mary Alice Craps Caughman. Predeceased maternal grandparents are Henry Jake Meetze/Annie Lou Shumpert Meetze; paternal grandparents are Raymond “Prince”/Mertie Crout Caughman. Too numerous to name, his beloved aunts and uncles (and their spouses on both sides) along with numerous cousins and others are not forgotten.

Steve graduated from LHS in the greatest decade of times—the 70’s-- where he successfully completed his studies and his Vocational School requirements (Auto Mechanic). Too, Steve was one of those mature and trusted younger teenagers in HS who was given an opportunity to carry our children to and fro in the midst of cold winters and hot and humid summers. Ventilation came by window only, and we’re sure Steve could remember completing his tasks honorably—but quite sweaty and even frozen. He worked most of his life with the county of Lexington (for probably too long) or elsewhere performing as a heavy-machine operator; he also worked as a mechanic at Ben Satcher Motors for a season.

Steve had, in his latter years, fought cancer and chemo, but the effects of chemo itself changed him, as he often spoke. He abhorred the physical, mental and emotional feelings chemo left him; he vowed to never take chemo again. However, a few months back, he learned of another mass that had come upon him. With that, he pondered and weighed what he would do, but he, like many, could not easily “hit” the restart button to eliminate this terrible disease. Steve often spoke he had to ponder, so we can assume he was pondering his next move concerning this devasting news.

Remembering the Steve of long ago, many heard of days gone by like when he was physically hit causing his spleen to rupture. If you were “lucky” enough, you were able to view an old candid pic of the spleen that was removed, and one easily could describe it to be the size and color of an all- terrain vehicle tire. Sadly, many were left traumatized upon viewing, but Steve was thankful he made it out alive. Steve also spoke of surviving a wreck where his newly-purchased Harley motorcycle was hit from behind—propelling him into trees and woods. By God’s grace, he came out alive again but with a “totaled” cycle. (After that, he chose to never pursue motorcycles.) Steve also survived an accident on the job where harm could have consumed him, but by God’s grace, he came out alive—again. Not forgetting, he also was a local hero—saving a girl from drowning and thereby risking his life. Many did not know this one, but an article in the paper told of his admirable risk, but Steve would never consider it a “big deal” for him. We’re sure there are many more survival stories to share, but we’ll keep it at a minimum.

In the end of his life, he most desired to never be a bother to anyone but was quite unnerved with the possibility of never being found whenever God would call him home. However, some checked on him frequently, but one would soon learn his desire was to not display or to speak much of what was encompassing him. Steve truly was a brave man, and in that, he never would harm anyone intentionally and always desired an inner peace for his loved ones and friends—even so for himself. He died knowing only He could heal; sometimes healing is in death; sometimes it is another chance to live. He knew, however, what God had done for him and the many “chances” to live again. We admired Steve and the amazing character traits he possessed.

Many will remember our dear Steve as one of humbleness, quietness, simple, casual, responsible, careful, loving and much more. Steve certainly was never a bragger and certainly was not prideful. Simply stated, he was a man who minded his own business, desired no attention to be brought to him, and kept a “secret” as many cannot. If you shared anything personal with him, rest assured it went to the grave, and for that, he was one to be completely trusted.

Steve, gosh there are no words to express how much we will miss you. His Uncle Ellis and Aunt Jane were broken to hear of his passing just as many of us were. Many can say he enjoyed the meals his Aunt Jane and Uncle Ellis shared, and he spoke of those other grand meals shared with others. Those who made invites to him were fortunate to have him in their presence albeit most often being a come and a go, but his true appreciation showed for what you chose to do for him.

With that, and beyond his family, dear friends from long ago like Hazel from HS, and Regina later on meant much to him; his bestie “Squirrel” was most often found by Steve’s side; sadly, he has not been found to share this great loss. Many more Steve loved and appreciated, and YOU also were a light in a season but never a memory that died from his mind and heart.

In his end, Steve would hate to know his dear parrot Harley is now without his “parents,” but we who are left unfortunately will endure the pain and suffering Harley loves to give –leaving us with an opportunity to experience leaking a beautiful color of crimson red and/or a hole so deep and wide. The “ole” fowl has lived a life of 25 plus years, and Harley loved Steve more than anything after his “mom” passed. Never forget if you have an encounter with Harley, take note that he is not what he pretends to be--- a Quaker Parrot. Instead, he is an alligator snapping turtle—just disguised in feathers. Upon mentioning his beloved pets, we can’t forget the beloved dachshund, Heidi and the three furry amigos (golden retrievers) Barney, Penni, and Andi. If any more were a part of his life, he loved them just the same.

If we remember but one thing, let us remember that Steve loved his Lord first, his parents, family, cousins, aunts and uncles (spouses too). He also loved nature and God’s creation. He even enjoyed some seasons of drag-racing, his CB, fishing and some hunting; old westerns, and staying as debt-free as possible. Too, a grilled hamburger, steak, or a good home-cooked meal brought him satisfaction, but in the end, the battles within brought much more—more than we may ever know, but in God’s perfect timing, he will not remain to suffer or to despair. THAT would have been his greatest wish.

Lastly, learning of his death in his home on Saturday evening, with his death being determined two days before (Thursday- later evening and that of “natural causes”), many tears flowed. His greatest fear was not being found, so many would call to check in. Last Saturday, however, the inevitable came knocking at his door.

Steve is now in his eternal home; we are left behind to deal with the pain and loss. We will never see him here again, but as choice to choose Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior; to confess and to believe in heart—we, as Steve believed, will see him again if saved by God’s word and promises—and that for which Steve believed.

His eternal home above is where he is; many have greeted him there with open arms. Those who did were Christians not perfect but those just forgiven; many of us will see Steve again. Many will have Steve in their future. Many desire him back in the here and now, but he can’t come back, and why would he? He is there with no more pain, sorrow, or tears. He walks on streets of gold; a “mansion,” just over the hilltop, and place built for those who choose His promises at the moment our physical bodies end. Will it be simple without him? Absolutely not, as we know this sinful world ends with death as its last sting, but given is the promise of Jesus’s death and resurrection and eternal peace and love—a place Steve now lives with his creator and the perpetual light He shines upon him-- love forever given to His child.

An open viewing will be held at Barr-Price Funeral Home (Lexington) between the business hours of 9-5 pm on Thursday, June 12. A quaint graveside service (only) will be held at Old Lexington Baptist Church- 800 Old Lexington Rd., Leesville, SC, 29070 (off 378 West) on Friday, June 13, at 1:30 pm led by Edward M. Rivers. As Steve was a man who felt more comfortable being casual, he wouldn’t mind if you choose to dress “smart casual” or “neat casual” with “consideration” in mind due to this being a burial honoring our deceased; however, your presence matters more.

No registry will be placed; however, please consider posting your name(s) if you make the visitation and/or graveside service. Too, please leave your relationship to Steve and/or how you knew him. The families also would appreciate any words you choose to share online.

Memorials are greatly appreciated and can be made to Old Lexington Baptist at addressed named above. Please write “memorial for Steve Caughman,” and please make sure your names and addresses are made available for the church. Flowers, as well, are appreciated greatly.

As we gather on Friday, 06/13/25, to honor our special Steve, please let Edward know before the graveside service if you would like to take a moment to share up front or standing in your seat a memory, laugh, or event with Steve in mind.

He will be missed forever, and until we meet again in our eternal home above, and based on the Bible’s word of God; we can be saved (realizing Christians aren’t perfect—just forgiven).

We trust, Steve, you are now healed and complete with no more tears, sorrow, or pain. We love you immensely; we will miss you even more; Harley, we know, feels the same. Many thanksgivings to Steve’s family and friends; to Landis Price and the compassionate workers of Barr-Price Funeral Home; to Old Lexington Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steve F. Caughman, please visit our floral store.