Stephen Gates Van Cleave

Stephen G. Van Cleave, 83, passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2026. He was born in Muncie, Indiana, to parents Malcolm and Paula (Gates) Van Cleave.

Steve grew up in Indiana and graduated from Lawrence Central High School. He continued his education at Valparaiso University.

Steve proudly served his country in the United States Army.

A very hard worker, Steve was the senior technology manager at AT&T for 52 years before he retired in 2017.

He also served as a volunteer firefighter and eventually became Deputy Fire Chief for Franklin Township Fire Department. Steve loved his time at the firehouse, where he made lifelong friendships, and mentored many young volunteers and future firefighters.

On June 21st, 1984, Steven married his wife, Patricia. They shared 43 wonderful years together.

Steve was a loving, stoic gentleman. Very service oriented. Steve volunteered often and served as a boy scout leader for several years. He loved the outdoors, especially time spent at their lake house, water skiing and fishing. Steve was especially fond of his New Holland tractor where he would help his neighbors with tilling their gardens and pushing snow. He also took joy in maintaining his home and mowing grass, where again, Steve would assist his neighbors when needed, mowing their lawns. He enjoyed building RC cars and had a RC airplane. He was also a proud truck owner, usually getting a new ride every few years—a Ford, of course.

Steve was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Patricia (Zappia) Van Cleave; his children Marc (Amber) Van Cleave, Jennifer (Kevin) Sego, Derick ( Angie) Scott and Lori (Tony) Van Cleave. Grandchildren Melanie (Christian) Parsch, Evan (Jessica) Van Cleave, Ashley (William) Hopson, Matthew (Kristin) Randall, Paige Van Cleave, Payton Van Cleave, Callie Scott, and Paula Van Cleave. Great Grandchildren Judah, Ezekiel, Adalyn Hopson, Remi and Maddi Randall, Winslow Parsch and TJ, Hunter, and Loki Van Cleave.

He is preceded in death by his parents Malcolm and Paula Van Cleave.

Memorial visitation for Steve will be Tuesday March 31st, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East, from 4-6pm. His memorial service will begin at 6pm.

Steve will be laid to rest privately at Washington Park East Cemetery.