Dr. Stephen Edward Wolverton

Dr. Stephen Edward Wolverton, age 70, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023. Stephen was born on February 18, 1953, in Tachikawa, Japan, to the late Dr. George Wolverton and Elizabeth (McMahon) Wolverton. Stephen had deep ties in Indiana, growing up and attending high school in Clarksville, Indiana. Stephen completed his undergraduate training at Ball State University in 1975 where he was also in the Sigma Chi fraternity. Stephen attended medical school at the Indiana University School of Medicine and received his M.D. degree in 1979. He initially pursued a career in Family Practice, completing residency at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, in 1982. He then switched to dermatology, completing his residency at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in 1985. Following residency, he practiced at Wright State University (1985-1987) and Ohio State University (1987-1990), before accepting a long-term faculty position at the Indiana University School of Medicine from 1990-2023 where he was the Theodore Arlook Professor of Dermatology. Professionally, Stephen was well-known both nationally and internationally as an expert in systemic medication use in dermatology. He authored several editions of his famous book – Comprehensive Dermatology Drug Therapy – and spoke nationally and internationally on the topic. He had a true passion for taking care of his patients, as well as teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and his colleagues. Outside of medicine, Stephen was a loving husband of 43 years to his wife, Cheryl Wolverton, and loving father of his two sons, Jay and Justin. He deeply cherished his immediate and extended Wolverton family; walking in Eagle Creek Park and exploring the vast outdoors; and playing piano and listening to all types of music. He was known for his story-telling and unique phrases. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dr. George Wolverton, Jr. (survived by his wife Cindy Wolverton), and Douglas Wolverton. Stephen is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Cheryl Wolverton; their older son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Rachael Wolverton, and his granddaughter Isla Mae; their younger son and very significant other, Justin Wolverton and Kelsey Mitchell; his siblings and their spouses, Anne and Scott Waters, Greg Wolverton, Jeffrey and Roz Wolverton, Cynthia Torp and Brian Jones, Daniel Wolverton, and Pamela Edwards and Steve Crabtree; and a host of other family and friends also survive. A visitation is scheduled from 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan, 105 W. Pine St., Zionsville, Indiana. A memorial service followed by burial is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Rd., New Albany, Indiana. There is a visitation at the same location prior to the memorial service from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Regarding attire, Stephen would have encouraged us to wear colorful floral or Hawaiian-style attire. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that any donations be made to Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Traders Point Christian Church, or the Give Well Top Charities Fund. Information on how to donate is on the funeral services websites. He will always be loved and will truly be missed. He leaves an unmistakable legacy behind. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraftfs.com for the Wolverton family.