Stephen's obituary
At the age of 73, Stephen Floyd Harwell departed his earthly home and entered the arms of Jesus on July 18, 2024, at 8:15 AM with his family by his side. His battle with Glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer, in recent months, showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile and wit. Despite the pain, Steve emerged a hero and stayed strong until the end.
Steve was born March 2, 1951, in Pulaski, Tennessee, to Francis "Frank" and Betty Jean Harwell. Steve was the fourth of six kids- five boys (Richard, James, Steve, Farris, Charles) and one girl (Diane). Life was very difficult at times. During Steve's final week on Earth, his brother, Farris, visited from California. Farris talked a lot about their childhood, and one thing that resonated from every conversation was that Steve was the protector of his younger brothers, Farris and Charles. As our family reminisced, we, too, agreed that our Dad, Steve, was very much our protector. Steve's love for his family was unwavering, and there was not anything he wouldn't do for them.
Steve came to be quite the basketball ball player, for he was a three-year letterman and held a starting position in his junior and senior year at Marshall County Tennessee Senior High School. During his senior year, he was named All-District Player. Standing at 6'6", Steve was sought out by several colleges, including Murray State in Oklahoma, a college in Iowa, and Florida State. Steve's interest was in Murray State because the coach, Wayne Cobb, was the only coach who came to Tennessee to see Steve play.
After his two-year tenure at Murray State, Red Miller came calling from Cameron University. The 6’8” Steve was immediately drawn to him, for Red was the role model Steve needed. Upon graduating from Cameron University in 1973, Steve was offered many positions in the basketball coaching field. He eagerly accepted and began his career in Empire, Oklahoma. Even though Steve was a basketball coach, he was also a teacher and taught Physical Education and Driver's Education. Steve moved from school to school for many years, taught, and coached until he landed at Lawton Public Schools in 1973 as a Physical Education Teacher at Geronimo Road Elementary School. During his tenure with LPS, he spent most of his time as a Physical Education teacher. He loved teaching his students about physical fitness, and his most incredible time to shine was at the end-of-the-year track meets. Each spring, his students outperformed every school in the district, winning many events and taking home many titles. His dedication to education and his students was unwavering, and he was a beloved figure in the school community.
Steve received his Master's Degree in Administration in 1982 from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 1994, he received his first Assistant Principal position at Eisenhower High School, followed by Lawton High School, where they needed a strict yet fair disciplinarian. Steve had a way with the students, and while many feared him and some challenged him at first, they soon came to respect him.
Steve retired from education after nearly 40 years. But retirement did not sit well with him. He immediately renewed his CDL license and began driving a bus for the Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District. Steve loved the kids on the bus route and greeted them with a smile every day.
Steve met the love of his life, Deborah Sue Boelen, on January 30, 1981, at a Singles Square Dancing Class. Although their courtship lasted six short weeks, their love story endured 43 years of beautiful memories. Steve and Deborah's love and devotion to one another was undeniable. They enjoyed traveling, watching their children flourish, supporting their grandchildren, and spoiling their fur baby, Lola Ann. Time spent with family was their favorite time, and their commitment to each other through sickness and health has been a true testament to their children and grandchildren. Steve's love for his family was evident in every action and word, and he was a pillar of strength and support for his loved ones.
Steve brought into his union with Deborah his two children Stephanie Louise and Stephen Joel. In February 1982, their family grew by two feet when Sheree Nicole was born. Steve's love for his children was immense, and he gave them affectionate nicknames when they were very young. Stephanie was Pes (Precious), Stephen was Bigun, and Sheree was Perd(Pretty). While others did not know what was being said, his children knew, for it was a love language all their own.
After spending many years in the church, Steve made the decision to fully surrendered his life to Christ on January 18th, 2024. It was beautiful to witness the Lord’s timing with his baptism shortly after, in the presence of family, friends and the church congregation.
Steve is survived by his wife of 43 memorable years, Deborah, of the home, and their fur baby, Lola Ann; his three children Stephanie Scott and her husband Chris, Stephen Harwell and his wife Kristin, and Sheree Cordray and her husband, Landon. Steve's greatest joy was being a Papa to his eight grandchildren. Seth Herrera and his wife, Jessica. Saige Herrera and wife, Courtnie. Chase Scott, Jesse and Carrie Harwell, Chandler, Wyatt, and Landree Cordray. Steve's legacy continues with six great-grandchildren. Sterling, Scarlett, Kirsten, and Maevis Herrera, and Stella and Annabelle Minnear.
Steve is survived by two brothers, Farris Harwell of California and Charles Harwell of Nevada, his sister-in-law Diane Harwell, and his nieces Kimberly Sego, Amy Harwell, and Erin Hill.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Richard and James, and his sister, Diane.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. In leu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause close to Steve's heart.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th at 10:30am at Choctaw Road Baptist Church. 14971 E. Reno Ave. Choctaw, Oklahoma 73020
Family and Friends Visitation & Fellowship is scheduled for Monday, July 29th 5:30-8:30pm. 3925 Wyatt Ridge Ct. Oklahoma City, Ok 73150.
