Stephen Roger Eveland

Stephen Roger Eveland, 53, formerly of Crooksville, Ohio passed away at 11:45 PM, Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Autumn Healthcare in Somerset after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving sister, family and friends around him.

Stephen was born May 12, 1958 in Zanesville, the son of the late Donald R. Eveland and Catherine Longstreth Eveland of Youngstown.

Most recently, Steve was employed by IBM in Tucson, Ariizona. For many years, he owned and operated Eveland Home Improvement. He also had a partnership in Crooksville known as E & T Home Improvement. Over the years, you could find Steve bartending at various local establishments including the VFW and the American Legion. Steve also worked for many years at the Hull Pottery until it closed in the 1980's. He was a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 222. He also served as Adjutant and Finance Officer for VFW Post 9090.

Steve most enjoyed the time he spent with family and friends. He loved music of all kinds and attending concerts. He especially enjoyed them with his friends over the years. His favorite band of all time was The Eagles and he was fortunate to see them live in concert. Steve appreciated the outdoors and would spend time hanging out at the river, swimming and gardening. When he moved indoors, you would find him spending time with his friends playing a game of Euchre or Scramble. Family time was also important to him. He loved spending time with his Mom and Dad in the garden or the berry patch. The best time was having his sister and nieces together whether it be in Pennsylvania or Arizona.

Steve leaves behind his beloved mother, Catherine Longstreth Eveland; his best friend and sister, Patti and her husband, Jerry Straccia of Tucson Arizona. He also leaves three nieces, Melissa Gilliland and her husband, Tim, Jennifer Tallo and her husband, Rob and his yougest niece, Amanda Wood. He also leaves two beautiful great nieces, who were his pride and joy, Brittany Moore and Kaitlyn Gilliland.

Although Steve was never married, he was a friend to many. He had a love of life and whenever Steve was there, you could be assured of a good time. He leaves behind his Branson family and long-time friend, Andrea German-Walburn. Also, the Thomas Family, especially his business partner, Tim and his wife, Sam. The DeGarmo Family and Harold Danielson who drove him from Arizona back to his hometown, as well as high school friends, Renea Davis and Debbie Allen and friend, Donna Shuster who looked after him daily at Autumn Healthcare. Others include, Paul and Mickey Williams, all of his buddies at the VFW and American Legion and so many near and dear friends, too many to mention all by name. Also, Arizona friends, Phyllis Cornell, Lee Goldberg and Richard Benitez. Steve touched so many lives and held very dear friendships with each and every one.

In addition to his father,Donald, Steve was preceded in death by infant brother, Michael Andrew Eveland; his grandparents, Leo and Mamie Longstreth and Hugh and Bertha Eveland; uncles, John Longstreth and Thomas Longstreth and his four-legged companions, Schnapps, Ranger and Idiot.

The family would like to spend a special thank you to all of the nurses and staff of Autumn Healthcare in Somerset for taking care of our dear son, brother, and uncle.

Steve was diagnosed and lived with Lupus for several years. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2000 L Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036. Although Steve fought his own battle with cancer, he felt that his struggles were insignificant in comparison to those of young Easton Woodward. Steve supported Easton's treatments and ultimate remission and felt very strongly that cancer research and cure should be found. To help Easton and others locally, consider a donation to the Perry County Cancer Alliance, P.O. Box 724, New Lexington, Ohio 43764.
Envelopes for both groups will be available at the funeral home.

Family and friends will be received 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Friday, October 7 at GOEBEL FUNERAL HOME, 36 N. BUCKEYE ST., CROOKSVILLE. Rosary will be recited at 8 PM at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 8 at Church of The Atonement, 310 Winter St., Crooksville with Father Victor Wesolowski as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery near Crooksville.

You may read the obituary, sign the Online Register Book and share a special memory with the family at www.goebelfuneralhome.com