Steven "Steve" Allen Armstrong

Steven Allen "Steve" Armstrong, 70, of Grove City, Ohio, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend died on August 17, 2023, at his home after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Steve loved maps, astronomy, James Bond, Tom Swift novels, collecting coins, reading all genres of books, and learning about history.

Steve was born on February 18, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio to Wayne and Frances Armstrong. Wayne fought in the European theater and Steve loved learning about the war. When the 63rd Infantry Division started having reunions, he would frequently attend them with Wayne and other family members to get to know his dad’s old war buddies and honor their service. Additionally in the spring of 1997, Steve traveled with his dad and brother Tom to Europe to visit all the places Wayne was stationed.

Steve and his younger brother Tom spent their early years playing with model trains, listening to shows on the radio, and riding their bikes. His love for model trains continued throughout his life, he built a large train set in the basement of the second home he owned with his wife Kim. When he was 10, Steve had his tonsils removed and the nurses promised he would get all the ice cream he wanted when he woke from surgery, but when he awoke, he was only allowed ice chips. This was his greatest childhood outrage, and he told this story often, and I am certain he would want this shared one last time.

He started playing the clarinet as a kid, and when Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass released their first album, he learned all the music by heart by ear, eventually playing his clarinet along with the songs. Steve loved lots of different music and was also an avid whistler. Bugler’s Holiday was a particular favorite of his to which he would whistle along. He attended many concerts throughout his life, his favorites being Heart in 1989, Gordon Lightfoot, and both the Billy Joel/Elton John joint tours.

When Steve was 14, his mother passed away, after which his family moved to the North side of Columbus. He graduated from Northland High School, graduating top of his class. He earned a full ride scholarship to OSU and majored in metallurgy. While he ultimately did not finish at OSU, he did earn his bachelor's degree from Capital University.

Steve met his future wife Kim Donaldson when they attended Jr High together. At first, they didn’t like each other but eventually became friends. Once they became adults and had both ended relationships with other people, Steve called Kim to ask her out the night before she was supposed to move to Bellefontaine. They spent time catching up that evening and decided to date. After a whirlwind romance, they got married on May 19, 1979, and welcomed their only daughter Kree on December 29, 1979. They both loved to travel and instilled that love into Kree as well. They tried to make it to all 50 states by the time Kree graduated from High School but were two states short. This goal was accomplished in June 2021 with Alaska being the final state they visited. Steve and Kim also hosted two exchange students for 11 months each. Denilde Viana from Brazil during the 1989-1990 school year, and Christina Nielsen from Denmark during the 1991-1992 school year. Steve and Kim loved teaching them about America and learning about their cultures. They both came back to visit as adults and stayed in contact with Steve and Kim.

Steve held several jobs before finding his ultimate career. His first job was at McDonald’s when he was in high school. He also had a role where he delivered auto parts throughout town, and then worked as an Assistant Supervisor for Bank One in their credit card approval department. He often said the delivery job is how he really learned how to get around Columbus and he prided himself on being able to navigate around town. Ultimately Steve got a job at Columbus Southern Power, now AEP, where he worked in the graphics department. He started as a Map Maker and drafted maps by hand for new electrical lines throughout the city. This role allowed him to put his love of maps and math to good use, and he was well suited for it. As technology improved, he learned new software to continue in this role. He was a very sociable person and made many friends while he worked there. He retired from AEP in 2009.

When Kim had a medical brain injury in 1998, Steve stayed by her side and took care of her until he passed. When his disease made it more difficult for him to do so, they sold their house, moved into Story Point Independent Living, and he hired extra care for Kim to make sure her needs were still being met.

Steve was preceded in death by mother Frances Armstrong, father Wayne Armstrong, brother Tom Armstrong. Steve is survived by wife Kim Armstrong, daughter Kree Armstrong, future son-in-law Max Magid, stepmother Linda Armstrong, brother Eric Armstrong, sister Susan (Armstrong) Monfort, sister-in-law Jodi Donaldson, brother-in-law Mark Donaldson, nephew Kase Donaldson, and nieces Claire (Armstrong) Chirillo, and Katie Armstrong, as well as many cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank Steve’s hospice team at Hospice of Central Ohio, particularly his nurse Shelby, for all the care they provided during the last two years of his life. Additionally, thanks are given to all of Steve and Kim’s family and friends who brought them meals and provided companionship during the last two years. Special thanks to Les and Beth McCune for providing invaluable assistance both during and after Steve and Kim’s move.

Family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2023 at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Rd., (HOOVER RD AT KINGSTON AVE), Grove City where memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. A private inurnment at Fernwood Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Central Ohio.