Steve was born November 12, 1965, to JoAnn Chenoweth Vandegrift and Eddie Max Vandegrift. He grew up in Grandview, Missouri, along with his three siblings: Eddie Joe Vandegrift, Kim Masters, and Mendy Vandegrift. Steve attended Ruskin High School and went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he majored in Marketing and played defensive lineman on the Mizzou football team. He was rated one of the nation’s top linebacking prospects: voted as ‘Most Outstanding Defensive’ in 1985, and ‘Top Defensive Lineman’ in the 1988 Black-and-Gold spring windup game.
Since then, Steve has dedicated 32 years to the Kansas City Fire Department, working the last 25 years as Fire Captain at Hazmat, Station 27. He was also very knowledgeable in masonry and cooking a good meal. Steve was referred to by friends and family as a “gentle giant with a big heart,” always looking out for others and showing his kindness through his food and strength.
He resided in Kansas City, Missouri with his family until his passing. Steve is survived by his wife, Elyria, his son, Steven, and his daughter, Alyssa.
