Steven Nelson Cadwallader

Steven Nelson Cadwallader, age 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022 at home with family by his side. He was born February 2, 1949 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Shirley (Nelson) and Smith Duke Cadwallader. After graduating from Indiana State University, he began working in the magnet wire business, first at Essex Wire and then at Rea Magnet Wire. In 1986, he founded Nelson Machining & Fabricating in Roanoke, Indiana; the company later relocated to Huntington, Indiana. Steve enjoyed spending time on the water which began with childhood summers at his grandfather's place on Kentucky Lake, later at Lake Wawasee and the Florida panhandle. He had a love for planes, trains and automobiles; he studied aircraft mechanics in college and flew small private aircraft. Trains and railway adventures were a lifelong passion. Steve loved to travel, and his favorite trips were those enjoyed with close friends and family. He shared long trips with friends on his Harley and BMW motorcycles, and shorter rides in his Shelby Cobra; his latest project was building a Daytona coupe. Steve shared his talents and gifts and made cherished friendships as a volunteer for many organizations, including building and rebuilding houses with Habitat for Humanity and on church mission trips; as a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, including relief support after Hurricane Katrina; Meals on Wheels; Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home; Roanoke community fundraisers, and working to have new lodges built at Epworth Forest. He was a long time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Mizpah Shrine Temple. Steve inspired his family with his deep faith in God and his positive outlook on life. He will be remembered for his joy of telling stories, sharing advice and quotes, and for his sense of humor. Steve is survived by his wife Cindy; his children, Ryan (Anna) Fensler of Denver, Colorado; his son Steven (Sarah) Cadwallader II of Fishers, Indiana; and daughter Kristen Cadwallader; 3 adored grandchildren: Joella, Grant and Alice; and sister Linda (Dr. Jim) Berry of Evansville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date; Interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, 1212 E California Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.