Steven W. Coles "PaPa"

Steven William “Papa” Coles passed away on May 26, 2012 at the age of 74. He was surrounded by his family as he passed. Born in a small town on the border of Texas and Louisiana to Jesse and Marie Coles, he was the oldest brother of three siblings; Vernie, Roger, and Anita. He served six years in the United States Army and National Guard before meeting the love of his life Helen Coles, his “Tootie”, her “Hun”.

Steve and Helen met while Steve was on vacation visiting his mother in Slidell, LA. Two weeks later they were married and headed back to Michigan to begin their journey and raise a family. Steve was blessed with three girls; Kim, Stephanie and Lynette.

Steve’s heart belonged in Texas and once given the opportunity he rounded up his family and brought them back to the home he loved. Throughout his life he was always an entrepreneur so it was no surprise when he opened up his own store, The Western Shop, at Traders Village.

One of the most special things about Steve Coles was his role as Papa. He was not only Papa to his grandchildren, Kortnie, Cole, Hayden, Jax, Theresa and Anthony, who he loved more than life itself, but he was everyone’s “Papa”.

Steve also has two son-in-laws, Robert and Louis. He was blessed to have his first son-in-law join the family when Robert won his daughters Kim’s heart 29 years ago. He loved Robert like his own son. He enjoyed working with Robert on the job and on family projects. The two of them together were trouble, always joking around and cutting up. Eight years ago Steve gained another son-in-law, Louis. He joined the family when he won his daughter Stephanie’s heart and blessed him with four grandchildren.

Steve was a proud son, brother, husband, small business owner, daddy, papa and friend. He loved to talk, laugh, play a little prank every now and then, drink his coffee, smoke his cigarettes, watch his television shows, work in his yard, keep a garden, tinker around, fix things, build things, listen to country music, sit outside and enjoy the outdoors and most of all just spending time with his family. He would rather be gathered around the table, having a good home cooked meal surrounded by his family then off doing anything else. He loved his family so much.

Steve wants everyone to remember him as the strong man he was, the man rarely seen without his cowboy hat, starched shirt and Wrangler jeans, western belt, boots and keys dangling from his belt loop with a cup of coffee in his hand. He wants you to take the fond memories you have of him when you think of him and smile.

Steve touched more lives than he ever realized. He will forever live in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 12:30pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home with a graveside inurnment service to follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org