Steven James Hitchcock

Steve lived on the westside of Lansing in the same house until graduation. He attended Waverly Schools throughout his schooling years, graduating in 1972 and had perfect attendance through all the years except he missed a week due to the mumps in 11th grade. He was always an excellent student, mastering anything he put his mind to. His love of music propelled him to become 1st chair in the band on cornet. He loved bowling and golf, both of which his mother introduced to him. He loved to spend time at his grandad and grandmother's farm and loved driving his granddad's tractor around the farm. He went fishing often with his grandad at the Portland Dam. He was always very outgoing and had plenty of friends.

One such friend was Joe Dunn. In 2001, Steve was hired at Courtesy Lincoln Mercury in Lansing, by Joe, the current new car sales manager. Joe remembers that Steve was smart, a good salesperson and an excellent conversationalist. Steve worked there until 2005 but remained good friends with Joe over the years. Every Veteran’s Day they would eat lunch at Apple B’s or Reno’s. Steve painted many rooms in Joe’s home. He had a very good attention to detail. To pass the time they’d play music and compete as to “who’s the artist?” Showing up in his yellow Corvette, Steve would often stay for dinner, loving my wife’s home cooking and especially her chocolate chip cookies. He spent time talking with Joe’s son David and took a special interest in him and many other young people over the years. Joe and his wife would bring turkey and ham dinners to wherever he was living, and Steve appreciated it a lot. He and Joe talked about every other week to stay in touch.

Steven served this country honorably as a member of the United States Army. Steven served as an active-duty member from March 8, 1983, to March 8, 1985, as a reserve member from March 9, 1985, to August 24, 1987, and returned to active-duty status from August 25, 1987, to January 31, 1997. Steven achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5). During his time in service, Steve earned many ribbons and medals such as the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Sharpshooter Weapons Qualification Badge. Steve was very proud of his military service and loved his country.

Steve cared deeply for his family, and mother, Emma Jean. Through the years, Steve welcomed many friends from all walks of life. Due to not having a family of his own, Steve opened his heart and home to his friends who became his chosen family. Steve had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to help others. His extroverted nature and charismatic soul allowed him to make friends with literally everyone. There wasn’t a person who Steve could not warm over and make into his friend.

Inurnment will be held on December 2, 2025, at 2 PM at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

Military Honors will be rendered under the auspices of the United States Army.

Arrangement entrusted to the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home - Tiffany Chapel, Lansing, MI.