Stephen Jeffrey Dunford, 72, passed into the arms of Jesus on August 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born February 25, 1951, to David and Elaine Dunford in Oklahoma City. He lived with his family in Ardmore, Norman and Oklahoma City.
As a true patriot, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his nation during the Vietnam Conflict. During the war, Steve was a radio operator. Radio operators were known to have a life expectancy of five seconds or 30 seconds, if lucky. He was lucky.
While on patrol Christmas Day, he was wounded by a booby-trapped grenade, and recovered on the USS Sanctuary. He is a Purple Heart recipient.
After his service, he went to work on an offshore oil rig in Louisiana. He then made his way back to Oklahoma City to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He enjoyed his years at Bell, and the many friends he met while there. During his time at Southwestern Bell, he met his wife Marsha, and they were married for 39 years.
After he retired from Southwestern Bell, he owned a liquor store for six years. He had many interesting stories about that business, and even had a gun pointed at his face during a robbery. After selling the liquor store, he ended his working career as a plumber for Mercy Hospital.
Steve could fix anything from his kids’ simple toys to his home appliances. He passed that trait onto his kids as they watched and learned from him. He would come out of his workshop with some unique items he had built and awed everyone with his ability.
One of his favorite pastimes was growing gourds and making bird houses out of them. Steve was fortunate enough to go on a Tiger Cruise with his son Jeffrey, and together they made many wonderful memories during this journey. Jeffrey was proud to show his dad the aircraft carrier he was stationed on as he and his dad sailed from Hawaii to San Diego.
Steve was known for his quick wit and could get a room laughing in no time. He loved to tease his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and taking his kids on all of these adventures. Steve had a strong love and compassion for animals. Steve and Marsha took in many strays and rescue animals during their years together.
He enjoyed participating in his grandchildren’s activities until he could no longer get around. As a Christian, he taught his children to be kind, loving, and giving just as he was. We know he is now pain-free and enjoying fishing in Heaven with his mother.
Steve is survived by his wife Marsha; children: Jill (Kyle) Baker of Piedmont, Jeffrey (Heather) Dunford of Oklahoma City, Laura Dunford of Adair, and stepson Keiffer (Keya) Trout of Edmond, and his eight grandchildren: Kayden, Connor, Cierra, Chloe, Charlee, Jaxon, Creed, and Jolene.
Celebration of life services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon, with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery.
Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
