Steven Eugene Parham

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Steven Eugene Parham who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Steven was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Steven knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Steven was born on December 18, 1954 at Alhambra Hospital in Alhambra, California. His parents were Raymond and Clara Parham. Steven was raised in La Puente, California. Even as a youngster, Steven learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Steven was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Steven was raised with six siblings. He had Eileen, Raymond, Bruce, Ruth, Ronnie and John. Steven had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Steven, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Steven's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Steven enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Steven took part in baseball.

In school, Steven was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Steven was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Steven’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Workman High School in 1972. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Steven was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Steven was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Steven came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Boston, Jose and Thomas.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Steven was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Steven was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Steven upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Welder - Auto Mechanic. Steven was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Steven was a Marine veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women.

Steven approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing and baseball. He was a great cook. His specialties were steak and BBQ chicken. Steven was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Steven to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Steven played shot put. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball.

Faith was important to Steven. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Martha Catholic Church.

Steven was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his German Shepard, Blackie and his Mute, Sportie.

Steven passed away on October 23, 2011 at Tri Cities Medical Center. He is survived by 2 sisters, Eileen and Ruth and 3 brothers, Ronnie, John and Raymond. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel. Steven was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Steven was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Steven Eugene Parham did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.