Stocker Sr., Stephen “Steve” Robert aka Papa Stocker age 81, lifelong resident of Tipp City, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday May 13, 2024. He was born July 20, 1942 to Burl R. and Florence I. {Donaldson} Stocker in Troy, Ohio. Steve is preceded in death by his parents and daughter; Amy Marie Stocker. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years; Karolyn A. {Bowers} Stocker, children; Tina (Ken) Putnam, Todd (Kathy) and Stephen (Rhonda) Stocker Jr. all of Tipp City, sister; Cathy Rittenhouse of Tipp City. Also surviving are grandchildren; John Stocker, Aphton (Andrew) Chaney, Chelsea (Craig) Syphrit, Trystan Putnam, Keagen (Susan) Putnam, Kara Stocker, Jessica (Matt) Rohrer, McKenna (Brock) Cattell, Kaity Stocker, great grandchildren; Avery, Cooper, Cayson, Adalyn, Hayes, Caroline, Carly, Colt, Nolan, Camden, Brooks and 3 on the way and many nieces and nephews.
Steve was a 1960 graduate of Tippecanoe High School. He was a former member of the Tipp City Church of the Nazarene and attended Cove Spring Church, Troy, Ohio. As a young man, Steve was a boy scout living the promise to help people at all times and doing his part to make this a better world. Throughout his life he had many jobs including paperboy, mowing yards, church bus driver, running the projector at the movie theater downtown, worked at Dayton City Sash and Door, was a truck driver and floor foreman at Trophy Nut Company where he met his “pretty baby”. He retired from Process Equipment Company after 37 years in 2009 as a maintenance electrician.
Continuing his dedication to serve others, Steve joined the Tipp City Volunteer Fire Department in 1972, throughout his 47 years he served alongside his son, son-in-law, grandson, grandson-in-law and many other dedicated firefighters. He was one of the founding members of the Tipp City EMS serving as Secretary, Captain and retiring in 1985 as Assistant Chief.
Steve was a devoted family man who enjoyed vacationing at the beach, spending time with his family who affectionately called him Dad, G-Pop and Pop Pop. He could be frequently found cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their various sporting events.
Visitation will be held 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, May 17, 2024 at FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Funeral service 10:30 AM Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the funeral home. Pastors; Greg Morrow and Paul Calvert officiating. Burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Tipp City. The family suggests anyone wishing to make memorial contributions in Papa Stocker’s memory to please consider, Cove Spring Church, 5705 Walnut Grove Rd, Troy, Ohio 45373. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fringsandbayliff.com.
The family would like to extend their sincere thank you to Tipp City Fire & EMS, Tipp City Police Department and all the staff at Upper Valley Medical Center and Miami Valley Hospital.