Stephen Richard Poinsette

Stephen Richard Poinsette died suddenly on March 8, 2026. He would have been 75 on March 30th. He will be missed so much. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He was generous, unpretentious, fun to be with, compassionate, caring especially for anyone in need of anything. When he retired from Yellow Trucking he volunteered with the Red Cross on hurricane disaster relief and visiting strangers in a nearby nursing home.

He loved the outdoors and for most of his life he had a dog. Working on cars was his main hobby. After getting out of the Navy in California he bought a ’32 Chevy and drove it home to Indy; it was loaded with presents for all of us. At one time he had 8 – 10 cars including a Corvette, a Tarantula, and the ’32 that he still has running. He was also always honest and loyal. He had a slow drawl and chuckle that made you smile. Family enjoyed spending time at his lake house and overnights with the nieces are treasured memories.

In his late 20’s he married Jackie becoming a husband and dad at the same time; he delighted in being Desha’s dad. There were a few very happy years but Jackie left and all contact with her and Desha was lost even though Steve cashed out his life insurance and gave it to them. Since then he tried to find Desha but never could. He always loved them.

“Uncle Steve was a wonderful man, a supportive and interested Uncle. He genuinely cared about what was going on in each of our lives and would spend hours catching up on the phone or talking in person. He is one of the greatest men I know, a role model for other men and for my son. He was very kind, loving, generous beyond measure, easy going, a great conversationalist, and very loyal. He was stylish, always dressed sharp and his hair fixed impeccably; though, not at all vain. He was a very down to earth man. He enjoyed being outdoors, taking a boat out on the water, swimming in the lake, riding motorcycles and driving his collection of cars, and spending time with family. He is loved, his memory will live on in all of those that love him, and he will be remembered forever with great fondness and respect. A true gentleman!”

Family and friends were lifelong relationships. He and Jay were friends since they were 5 years old; Allen was his friend since high school even though distance separated these three friends for years. Rosemary Query was a very dear friend until her death. Steve would go to visit her grave every year in eastern Kentucky around her birthday in May for more than 25 years. He was her faithful, loving, caring partner during a year of terrible sickness. Teresa Higgins has been a wonderful friend for the past 20 years; the family thanks her for all she did for Steve especially in this last year.

He leaves behind two of his sisters, Jane Marie (AKA Sister Noella) Poinsette and Nancy DeLullo, six nieces: Jennifer Barbuch Downing (Steve), Alayne Burnicle (James), Allison Medjesky, Kelli Barbuch Dixon (Scott), Kara Medjesky Burdine (Scott), and Michelle Barbuch Hudson (Loyd) and many great nieces and great nephews, brother in law Bob Barbuch, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard J. Poinsette and Mary Ross Poinsette, and by his younger sister, Mary Kay Poinsette Barbuch.