Steve was born Oct. 25, 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisc. to Jimmy and Ruth Malone. He lived in East Troy, Wisc. until 1970, when his family moved to Gainesville, Fla. when he was 15. He graduated from Buchholz High School, charter class of '73.

Following graduation, Steve packed his bags, going to Texas in 1980. That same year, he joined the crew at Excell Machine Company, where he remained with his co-workers and friends.

Following a lengthy relationship, Steve and Connie were joined in lawful wedlock in Las Vegas, Nev., on the 13th day of May 1998, witness Linda Brown, Ruth and Liz Malone.

Their marriage was re-affirmed in Newark on the 25th day of July, 1998. Pastor Connie Edward Brown, father-in-law, witness Debbie and Bill Blythe, Family and friends were there.

Steve was an avid history, railroad, and gun buff.

A great Florida Gators fan, he enjoyed dressing his grandson Joseph Michael in the colorful Gator clothing. Steve knew most all back roads and often joking, said he could go to Florida never getting on an interstate highway.

Steve was a kind and loving husband and stepfather. But none was greater than his love for his grandsons, Joseph Michael and Christopher Jacob, fulfilling his life. A Weekend outing of cow hunting was Steve's "Papa" and Joseph's best of times.

We will greatly miss our family member.

Steve was a long-time member of the American Legion Post 624, Mansfield.

He had recently joined the Elks in Denison, located on Lake Texhoma. This was his best weekend getaway -- camping and fishing -- that didn't come often enough.

Steve often said growing old was mandatory. Growing up was optional. He truly loved life and the outdoors.

The hardest times in Steve's life were the loss of his brother, Michael Malone, and years later, his father, Jimmy Malone. This was so evident when he spoke of them.

Survivors: Wife Connie Malone; mother, Ruth Malone; stepdaughters, Misty and Lisa Hoop; grandchildren, Joseph Michael and Christopher Jacob; sister, Debbie Malone and Mary Ann Holts; sisters-in-law, Linda Brown, Melody Brown and Debbie Blythe; nieces and nephews; and many friends and extended family.