Stephen Darrell Burnham

February16, 1958 – July 26, 2023

It is with great sadness and loving memory that the family of Stephen Burnham announces his passing.

Stephen D. Burnham, 65, of Baytown, Texas battled liver disease and cancer for the last three years; he died peacefully with his wife by his side on July 26, 2023. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Kelly Burnham.

Stephen was born in San Francisco on February 16, 1958 to Allen George Burnham and Helen Emma Nichols. He has a twin brother, Michael Burnham.

Stephen joined the Army in October of 1976. He entered into active duty in Oakland, California. He served as Motor Transport Operator for six years and seven months, mostly in Alaska. He served as a Medical Specialist for close to two years and a Diver for four years. He loved learning, traveling and working hard.

He took many courses while he was in the Army -Diving Course, US Navy Diving & Salvage Training, Medical Deep-Sea Diver Course, Underwater Construction Technician Course, Outboard Engines Operations, and others. He received many medals and ribbons.

When Stephen left the Army he went to Galveston, Texas where he trained in Hyperbaric Medicine at UTMB. He later went on to be an ICU nurse at Methodist Hospital, in Houston.

His love of the ocean continued throughout much of his younger life. He loved diving and all the wonder, uncertainty, and adventure the ocean offered him, privately and professionally. He also did offshore salvage work at times. Later in life he received his Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management at Texas A&M University.

Family who went before him: Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Allen George Burnham.

Family he left behind: He is survived by his wife, Kelly Burnham; his mother, Helen Nichols Burnham; his daughter, Elizabeth Burnham; his daughter by marriage, Sarah Norton; one uncle, Darrell Vaughter and wife Epsie; one aunt, Billie Nichols Schmer; two brothers, Michael Burnham and Robert and Tina Scroggin; two sisters, Tamme and Scott Sullivan and Cathy Beck; his three grandsons, Avery Bray, Zayden Bray, Maddox Burnham. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; AND Our Beloved Rascal Boy!

Stephen’s wish was always to be cremated and have a portion of his ashes put in the ocean he loved so much. The remainder of his ashes will be placed in the VA National Cemetery in Houston. An urn with his ashes will be inurned and he will have a marker with his name, etc.

There will be an outdoor tribute/honor by the VA and the flag presented to the family. The date and time will be posted, as available. There will not be a traditional viewing or ceremony.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanbaytown.com for the Burnham family.