Stephen (Steve) Earl

Steward

Stephen (Steve) Earl Steward

Steve was born January 24, 1942 in Macon, MO to Earnest and Louise Swanson Steward. He died November 7, 2026 at age of 84.

Steve became known as the ‘Go To’ rescue man and expert cave man. He rescued people from wrecks, caves, trees, dirt slides, fires, farm accidents, life-threatening medical problems, and water accidents. He was also a Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy, an arson investigator, an instructor, and professional photographer. He served in the national guard from 1963 to 1969. His main careers though were fireman and paramedic.

He was a charter member of the National Register of Emergency Medical Technicians in 1970 and he was an active licensed Paramedic for 50 years. He was a charter member and President of the Central Missouri Radio Squad, which is now the Boone County Fire Department. He was a fireman with the Columbia Fire Department for 25 years. He was a strong believer in extensive training and schooling to collect all the knowledge you can to help others. He passed on his knowledge teaching cave rescue, auto extrication, and emergency medical services to many people in Missouri and surrounding states.

Steve was generous to a fault, always helping others in his professional and personal lives. He cared about people deeply and his actions showed it.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, David P. Steward.

He is survived by two daughters, Marla Atterberry (Larry), and Jeana Jones, grandchildren Samantha Johnson, Hailey Barnes, Tyler Atterberry (Olivia), Morgan Nystrom (Ryan), and Corbin Atterberry, as well as nine great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri 10-33 Benevolent Fund, 661 Hiddenwood Court Jefferson City, MO, 65109.

Services will be Monday, November 16th at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home in Ashland, MO, 601 N. Henry Clay Blvd. Visitation is from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Service at 1:00pm with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, MO.

Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Steward Family.