Steven Wayne Umbarger, the son of Benjamin and Marjorie (Fries) Umbarger, was born September 18, 1944, in Maryville, Missouri. He grew up in Fairfax, Missouri, graduating from Fairfax High School in 1962. He then attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 1966.

On August 13, 1966, Steve was united in marriage to Marcia Lynn Wennihan at the Fairfax Presbyterian Church, Fairfax. On September 7, 1966, Steve was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam War. While in the service, a son was born, Jeffrey Wayne. Steve received his honorable discharge in 1968 and moved to Prairie City, Iowa.

Steve began managing grain elevators and COOPs and later was employed in Pieron, Illinois, and Beaman, Iowa. While the family was in Beaman, they became the parents of daughter, Jennifer Lea. Steve’s last grain elevator job was in Newark, Illinois, before returning to Atchison County in 1987. He then began his career with Tarkio LP Gas and made his home in Rock Port. Steve worked alongside his father, Ben, and brother, Richard “Dick,” delivering propane.

Steve was a proud graduate of Fairfax High School and loved sharing sports stories and memories about his friends, especially Clark Cofer, Sam Creed, Wayne Ireland, Steve Schlachter, and Kent Lawrence. Sports were a favorite pastime for Steve, competing in football, basketball, track, and baseball while in his youth. He was nicknamed “Wilt” and he even went to state in pole vault. As an adult, he enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball, golf, and bowling.

After his playing days were over, he fueled his spirit by critiquing and offering “constructive” criticism to his grandchildren. He was an “expert” in whatever sport they were competing in. Steve was a diligent bookkeeper, and he balanced his ledger down to the penny. He had a routine and was able to do this until his passing. Steve spent the last few months teaching his grandson “the right way.” Steve was an avid reader and enjoyed watching FOX News. He also served on the Board of Aldermen for Rock Port for one term.

Steve enjoyed playing cards with his friends up on “the hill.” He loved the witty banter and took great pleasure in the occasional win. He passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 80.

Besides his parents, Steve was preceded in death by son, Jeffrey Umbarger; and infant brother, Paul James Umbarger. Survivors include wife, Marcia Umbarger, Rock Port; daughter, Jennifer (Clay) Vogler, Rock Port; grandchildren, Jayden Umbarger, and Chaney, Tatum, and Cy Vogler; siblings, Connie (Dwayne) Hall, Altus, Oklahoma, Danny (Nancy) Umbarger, Phillipsburg, Kansas, and Richard “Dick” (Sandy) Umbarger, Fairfax; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service, conducted by Rev. Glenn Scott, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Open visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, at Minter Funeral Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to the Steven Umbarger Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.