Stephen L. Capper

Stephen Lee Capper, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed into the presence of his Savior on December 13th, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Indianapolis, Steve was a lifelong entrepreneur who founded A‑1 Awards at age 12. What began with sample trophies and ribbons grew into a respected national awards company that continues to thrive today.

For more than 53 years, Steve shared a life rich in love, faith, and purpose with his beloved wife, Nora Orr Capper, who walked beside him through every season of their journey together with strength, laughter, and love.

Steve was a graduate of Warren Central High School and later earned auctioneer certification. He became a nationally recognized speaker and author in the awards industry, founding the Recognition Roundtable, where he forged lifelong friendships that became like family. Among his many accomplishments, Steve was inducted into the Awards and Personalization Association’s Hall of Fame and commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. He once served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Warren Township on Indianapolis’ east side and helped run fundraisers that supported the local community.

Steve’s lifelong love of animals centered on two companions — Tennessee Walking Horses and Dalmatian dogs — both bringing him joy from childhood through his final days. Among many treasured memories, one stood above the rest: watching his champion mare, I’m A Dixie Dolly, capture the first‑ever World Grand Championship for Two‑Year‑Old Mares at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

Steve had a unique gift for remembering names and making others feel special. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, he sought opportunities to learn, connect, and uplift others.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 10:00-11:30am at the Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East Community Life Center, 10612 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:30am with a short graveside service at Washington Park East Cemetery. After burial, the family would like to invite friends and family back to the Community Life Center to share a meal in honor of Stephen.

He was preceded in death by his father, L. Ert “Rudy” Capper; his mother, Florence Elizabeth Capper; his brother, Richard W. Capper; and his sister, Darla Jo Capper.

Steve is survived by his wife Nora Orr Capper; his children Kelvin Wilson, Toni Kottlowski (Martin), and Jami Bean (Gary Michael); his grandchildren: Melanie Wilson‑Suter (John Suter II), Andrew Wilson (Heather), Zechariah Kottlowski (Bekah), Tyler Bean (Alicia), Gary Austin Bean (Rachel), Chandler Bean (Brooke Jenkins, fiancée), Matthew Kottlowski, Nicholas Kottlowski, Lance Corporal Isaac J. Kottlowski (Savannah Drumm, fiancée); his great‑grandchildren Shalen Wilkinson, Travis Wilkinson, Audrey Headrick, Joanna Kottlowski, Elijah Kottlowski, Ava Kottlowski, Nora Lynn Bean, and Liam Bean; and extended family members Sue Ailshie (Steve).

A‑1 Awards, the company he founded as a boy, now survives him — a living legacy of his excellence, creativity, and his lifelong mission to celebrate the champion in everyone, still family‑run and guided by the values he lived and shared.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the YES (You Earn Success) Foundation via GoFundMe at gofundme.com/stephenlcapper, a nonprofit “give-back” organization founded by Steve to support business advancement, educational seminars, and the kind of encouragement that shaped his life and legacy.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the blessing of knowing him.

This service will be livestreamed, you may view it here: LIVESTREAM