I knew Steve from high school. He was 2 yrs ahead of me, and not only was he insanely handsome, he was so nice! When I was a freshman, first week, I was lost and he helped me find my classroom. He had this long blonde hair (Justin Bieber would have been jealous) and it would sweep to the side when he walked down the halls.  Good grief he was gorgeous. 
I had gotten in touch with Steve about a year ago to try and track down Tim about a high school reunion and we talked on the phone for a long time, catching up on people we both remembered. Mrs DeBord, you raised some incredible young men. I am so sorry for this loss of yours. 


Steve was more than a Barber to the KC Marines, he was a friend that will be remembered.  Fair winds, following seas, my friend

Steve was known to me and Debbie for the past 20 years.  He was always upbeat and positive.  Some people you meet, you just know there's not a mean bone his body.  That was Steve, a genuine honest and really good person.  He will be missed.

So sad to hear about Steve. I've know Steve off and on for 30 years, he was a good person, people naturally liked him. He always found the positive in any situation, and people responded to that. I've never known him to complain or put himself before others.  He will be missed!  

So sorry to hear about this.  Steve was a close Ruskin ‘75 friend and a great baseball teammate.  I remember what a kind heart he had.  Know he is now playing ball patrolling an outfield in heaven.  Rest In Peace, my Friend.



Steve was smart and had a broad understanding of the world. He was outspoken on political and economic issues. Clearly he had a conservative outlook but always maintained his independent perspective. He believed in liberty and freedom, the kind the founding fathers gave us. He believed in individualism but had a very compassionate side too. He always spoke out when he observed an unfairness. I remember him deploring the congressional lobbying system. He told me a lobbyist is a “legal briber”.  

Steve was proud of his heritage. He told me his father was of French Huguenot roots. He understood the conflict between the religions in France and the fight to be free and was proud of his roots. Steve was also very proud be related to Harry S. Truman. Truman was a hero to Steve and I think a role model too. 

Steve’s family was very important to him. He was the primary caregiver for his mother. That task was stressful for Steve but he felt it was his obligation. I suggested perhaps he could find help in the care for his mother or that a full-time care facility would be appropriate. But Steve wouldn’t even consider it. He said there’s no way his mother would be taken out of her home and away from her cats. Steve was very compassionate and had always displayed integrity. He regularly said if a man’s word is no good, the man is no good. Besides being very loyal he was always honest. 

Steve had a huge impact on my life and my perception of the world. I will miss him so much. 
Rest in Peace, my loyal friend. 


Steve and I became fast friends soon after we met in 8th grade and remained so until his death four days ago. There were a lot of reasons to be good friends with Steve but the fact that we had a very similar value system and his unceasing loyalty insured our friendship would last a lifetime. Growing up in our beloved Ruskin School District neighborhoods we always found common ground. Both of our fathers worked hard for a living, and our mothers made our homes comfortable, safe and fun. We both benefited from growing up a member of the American middle-class. Steve often commented, even very recently that we were so lucky to be born the way we were. Steve valued his youth in Terrace Lake and all of the friends he had at school. He always was reflecting on his childhood and always talked fondly of it. “Remember Mr. Carters Civics Class when we teamed up on that stock market project”? he asked just a few months ago. 

In high school Steve played baseball. He played the outfield mostly. He was an outstanding ball player and had a “cannon” for an arm. The Cincinnati Reds farm organization gave Steve a hard look during his senior year. After completing high school Steve and I went on the college. Steve reminded me often of the numerous activities and antics that we participated in. Suffice it to say Steve knew how to have fun… and stay out of trouble at the same time. He saved my hide on more than one occasion. 

Steve took a sales job soon after that and travelled a territory. He was a natural salesman with his likeable personality and his classic good looks. The ladies were fond of Steve and he liked them too. Unfortunately, he never married. That was a disappointment to him. He said he would have liked finding the right lady. 

Our jobs took us separate ways but we always stayed in touch. Several years went by when we didn’t see each other in person, but we often talked by phone.       Continued Next Page.............


I became friends with Steve during his tenure at the Bannister Federal Complex. I was always impressed by his knowledge of current events, especially sports. I can't recall a time that Steve wasn't knowledgeable about what was going on in and around Kansas City. Steve was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

Steve came into Joe and my life as a young teen at Terrace Lake Barber Shop! He remained a friend even after Joes death in 2009 . He loved Joes tomatoes and corn on the cob. Steve always came out to see me on 4th of July , and would call and check on me to see if I was doing ok!  What a genuine friend he was ! Here’s to the fireworks in the sky ! Joe and Steve! 

Steve was a classmate of mine from Ruskin, and though we didn't know each other that well during high school, we later became friends as he cut my hair at a federal building I work in.  

Steve was a caring, friendly man,  who talked often about his mother whom he was the primary caregiver for. He also enjoyed reminiscing about high school, friends we had in common, and his time playing baseball for Ruskin. 

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  Condolences to his family during this difficult time. 

OBITUARY

Stephen Patrick DeBord

19 February, 1957 – 9 November, 2019

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home & Mount Moriah Cemetery South

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