It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a truly good man — a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. To many who loved him, he was simply known as Pops.
Stephen George Verhalen Jr. (Steve), 83, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at his home in The Woodlands, Texas after a long battle with cancer. Steve was born October 8, 1942 in Marshall, Texas to Stephen and Marjorie Verhalen.
Steve grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1960. He went on to attend St. Edward’s University and the University of Tulsa.
Marshall remained an important part of Steve’s life throughout the years. He kept many friendships from his high school days and was a proud member of the “Hog Hunters,” who have gathered each spring for decades for a weekend of friendship, eating, laughing and telling lots of stories — some of which were probably exaggerated!
Steve’s lifelong career and passion were horticulture and landscape architecture, both of which he was incredibly talented and knowledgeable. His work reflected not only his skills but a genuine passion for what he did.
Steve’s accomplishments were many, but they were never what defined him. He will be remembered most for the kind of man he was. He was a hard worker, loyal and generous, with a warm heart, gentle spirit, and a willingness to lend a helping hand, believing in doing what was right, helping others, and treating people with kindness and respect. Never seeking recognition for the good he did, Steve simply let his actions speak for themselves.
Above all, his family’s happiness mattered most to him, and he loved hearing about their adventures and all that was happening in their lives. His family and friends will forever treasure his laughter, stories, wisdom, humor, and the love he shared so freely. Though Steve is no longer with us, the example he set and the love he gave will live on through the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Marjorie; his sisters, Ann Rucker and Lynda Verhalen; his brother, John Verhalen; his brother-in-law, Larry Rucker; his son, Nathan Silvertooth; and his great-grandson, Owen Grant Lipscomb.
Steve is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Verhalen; his children, Natalie Grantham (Alan), Jennifer Hudson (Jeff), Rachel Verhalen, Stephen G. Verhalen III, and Mikel Silvertooth (Karen); his grandchildren, Amanda Lipscomb (Kyle), Catherine Grantham, Tanner Flanagan (Taryn), Georgia Verhalen (fiancé Matt), Stephen G. Verhalen IV, Kendall Deloof, and Kya Silvertooth; and his great-grandchild, Remington Silvertooth.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Robb Chapel at The Woodlands Methodist Church.
A second service will be held Monday, August 31, at Welches Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road, Longview, Texas 75605. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Steve will be laid to rest at Rosewood Cemetery in Longview, Texas, under the direction of Welches Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Alan Grantham, Jeff Hudson, Tanner Flanagan, Stephen Verhalen IV, Kyle Lipscomb, and Chase Tolbert.
Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Hog Hunters, Ernesto Rios, Jimmy Roberts, and Frank Pearce.
Steve will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever cherished. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, wisdom and love — and a family that is better because he was here.
“Thank you for calling……Steve.”
In lieu of flowers, please honor Steve’s love for animals by visiting your local animal shelter and adopting a pet in need — there would be no better tribute to him… and naming it Pops!
