October 16, 2018

Linn County News

Published Oct. 17, 2018

Steven Lynn “Pappa” Catron, age 64, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at St. Luke’s on the Plaza. He was born on May 1, 1954, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Carl Gene and Opal Venita Burnett Catron. 

In his 64 short years of living and loving, Steve was a man of many words and friends. Steve was always a sociable man. In his eyes, a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. Steve had worked as a tow truck driver and then changed his occupation to mechanic. He worked on everything from cars to semi-trucks and forklifts. He was a mechanic who could hear and fix anything. 

On April 2, 1977, he married his childhood friend, Tammy Nicholas. Together they began their 41-year journey, embarking on many adventures along the way. In 1989 the young couple picked up and moved to Pleasanton, in hopes to raise their girls in a safe community. What they found in Pleasanton was a full and happy life, with community members that soon became their second family.

Later Steve began working for the county, where he enjoyed meeting more of the locals. Steve and these new friends began to build and drive race cars. Although this new hobby was not profitable, it was a thrilling adventure that Steve carried with him even after his racing days came to an end. 

Steve and Tammy loved each little journey that life threw at them. When asked to talk about Steve, Tammy reminisces about their many motorcycle rides, always taking the path less traveled. They loved taking family vacations and spending holidays with their girls. He also cherished going to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he was a member. 

Elaine treasures the memories of her and her father laughing together as they pranked others using Alexa. Sabrina fondly remembers her dad spending hours teaching her how to build the motor of her first vehicle. Last but not least, Stephanie remembers her father putting his old blue truck in the ditch when he was turning a corner in the snow, telling her “I just wanted to show you what not to do when driving in the snow.”   

One of Steve’s greatest loves was being able to spend time with his grandchildren, such as building the rat rod, cruising around town, teaching them how to weld, taking road trips with them, and even teaching them how to herd horses with his truck. 

Steve is survived by his wife Tammy; three daughters, Elaine Shepherd and husband Nick, Sabrina Terry and husband Dwight, and Stephanie Smith and husband Tim; a brother, Rickie Catron and wife Ann; two sisters, Brenda James and husband Kevin, and Debra Stroble and husband Roy; nine grandchildren, Krista Bradley, Nicholas Shepherd and fiance Kirsti, Austin and Coltin Shepherd, Aubry, Shaylee and Blaiton Terry, and Phillip and Piper Smith; and two great grandchildren, Cohen and Kannon. 

If there is one thing to know about Steve, it is that he cherished his family and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mound City, Kan. Burial was in the Hume Cemetery. The rosary was prayed prior to visitation on Oct. 11. 

Contributions are suggested to Linn County Care to Share. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.