John Robert Steer

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Bonnie Lee (Willis) Steer and his parents. A natural athlete, John competed in basketball, football, baseball, and track and field at the former Petersburg High School where his high jump record stood for decades. After high school, John received a scholarship to play basketball at Hinds Junior College in Mississippi from which he earned a degree. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he continued playing basketball during his time in the military. He returned to his hometown after the war, married Bonnie whom he had met in high school, and started a family. John entered the corrugated packaging industry in 1954 and had a long and successful career selling corrugated shipping boxes to a variety of customers, the largest being General Electric in Louisville, KY. A huge University of Kentucky fan, John always enjoyed watching the Wildcats play. John remained a talented athlete throughout his life. He enjoyed golf and tennis and was always ready for a backyard basketball game.

John and his wife Bonnie spent a lot of quality time making treasured memories at Herrington Lake, a family tradition that endures yet today. Family was extremely important to John. He made many sacrifices for his children and was an enthusiastic grandfather and great-grandfather, always available to babysit, advise, encourage, discuss, explain, and lend a hand with any project.

John was a devoted father to Keith (Jennifer) Steer, Kevin (Emily) Steer, Kent (Debbie) Steer, and Lee Anne (Don) Price; cherished grandfather of Lauren (Justin) Curtis, Ashley (Steve) Bolger, Ryan Steer, Evan Steer, J.D. Steer, Lucy Steer, Cooper Steer, Will Steer, Emma Steer, John Logan Price, and Sean Steer; and treasured great-grandfather of Tucker Curtis, Genevieve Bolger, and Levi Curtis. He is also survived by his beloved sister Chareleen (Steer) Cannavan.

Services will be held Saturday, August 29 at Arch L. Heady Funeral Home, 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville, KY. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. followed by a celebration of John’s life at 6 p.m. A graveside service and burial will take place at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg, IN, at noon on Monday, August 31.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Hosparus of Louisville, or Herrington Lake Conservation League.

Leave a message for the family at www.archlheadywestport.com