What a beautiful and endearing video of Stephen's life! I will cherish it. I miss my cousin dearly. Love to all of Stephen's family forever. jan 

Since I met Steve in 1958 and we remained friends for the next 62 years, I have a ton of memories.  I knew Steve as a talented left handed little league pitcher who threw the first, and most wicked curve ball I had ever seen.  I watched him excel as a wrestler at NKC High School.  

I saw Steve off when he left for Vietnam, and picked him up at Municipal Airport when he came home.  We celebrated his return with more than a few cold beverages.

Steve was sent to Vietnam, was assigned to a desk job with an infantry outfit, hated it, and immediately volunteered for recon.  While in country he went for some additional training, then spent the rest of his time on recon patrols “snooping and pooping.” We didn’t talk much about his experiences, but I can say that he was not afflicted with any sort of PTSD.  He believed in what he was doing, and was proud of his mission.

When he left the Army and went into law enforcement, it was no surprise.  He always had a strong drive to provide service to his community, and loved the uncertainty, camaraderie, and yes, occasional adventure that law enforcement provided.  He loved helping, although I doubt he would have used those terms.

Steve loved his family deeply, and each son for his individual, unique talents and abilities.  Linda and Steve loved being parents and were a real power couple in that regard.  

Linda and Steve had a 50 year marriage; we watched as Linda, in an expression of pure love, committed herself to making the ultimate passage peaceful for Steve.  She was an inspiration.

Everyone who knew Steve will miss him, his humor, and his ability to enjoy each day.  I know I will.

Jack Shelton




Hard to realize I won’t be seeing Steve’s smile or hearing his laugh the next time I would likely run into him at Paul & Jack’s or where ever. It was a long ride since Linden East, West, junior highs and high school. I remember Steve had the best sounding Pontiac ever. And, the Stingray — wow. He did like his cars. Better, though, was Steve himself. Tough and wiry. One of the original good guys! My sympathies to all his family. He will be missed, but thought of often, and always with a smile.

 Steve, Linda and their boys are all like family to us. He has been a great friend for a number of decades and we had a lot of laughs together. We shared careers in law-enforcement, playing baseball ( he was a crafty lefty pitcher who just got people out), and watching our kids grow up.  What always stood out about Steve  was his natural way of making people feel better when they were around him.   He always found a kind word to say.  He was dedicated to his family (and very proud of them), law-enforcement,  and  loyal to his friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Our prayer for his family is for great memories and peace of mind. Tom and Karen

I remember when I was in basic training at Ft Leonard Wood in 1968 and went to the hand-to- hand combat training. Steven was one fo the three trainers on the stage. He had been to Vietnam. He knew I was there and announced to the 100+ trainees for me to come up on the stage.  He knew I was there. He said something nice to me and made me do push-ups and then gave me a big smile and patted me on the back.  I went back into the crowd. I was a special trainee after that to my DI’s.  You may not know this but for him to be on that stage training guys who might go to Vietnam and possibly die meant that he was something special. Big things come in small packages. He was special or he would not have been up there if not. He would have to be considered a hero for him to be there.  You didn’t get to do that unless you were special. 
Mike Black (in association of Jan Freed Enyart, Steve’s cousin)

I have known Steve forever I guess. We were in Grade School and High School together, and we played baseball together for years. Many long summers just hanging out and doing the things boys did in those times. Meeting in the morning and returning when the street lights came on. We occasionally touched base after Vietnam separated all of us at the time but there was the occasional phone call or running into one another here or there. I once did a ride-along with Steve when he was an officer and decades later would become an officer probably because of that ride along. Steve was just a good guy and a better friend. We shared much in common including a love of flying. When a pilot goes to the Lord, he is said to "have flown West." When an officer goes to the Lord it is "end of watch."  So, Steve, I wish you both old friend... God Bless your family and save a place up there for the rest of us? Take care brother...

I always admired what strength came out of such a small frame back in the mid 60s. I could not believe he bulked up to 105 pound weight class. He was always so strong and fast. Steve and Linda made such a perfect couple. 

Linda, I am so sorry to read this news about Steve. We worked many years together and I am saddened to hear this.  My prayers for you friend and your family. Steve was a very likeable guy.

Maybe 1958 my dad took Steve and me squirrel hunting-first hunting episode for both of us. 
Spent the night @ Steve’s house ( maybe bunks beds). We were wired and conversation about the next day and the mystery of
how to bag a squirrel caused morning to arrive too quickly.
Yawning but eager we obeyed dads instructions. He demoed a shot and dropped one out of a tree. From that second on heck with the squirrels… classmates and left handed 11 year olds just wanted our maiden voyage of pulling the trigger of a shotgun.
Only got the one squirrel but ran out of shells shooting beer cans & leaves off trees. For the next 60 years  relived that day with Steve about once every decade. You sons had the privilege of being  raised by a man with a flawless moral compass and an enviable and enjoyable sense of humor. Your dad and my good friend was a 10. Jay

I knew Steve since 8th grade at Linden West. In all our years in school together, I don’t believe I ever heard anyone say a bad word about him. He was truly a good person.
Life always seems to take us onto our own paths, and Steve and I were out of touch between NKC graduation and our 45th high school reunion in 2010. When we reestablished our friendship, I was not in he least surprised to discover he’d led such a full life of service.
I was terribly saddened when I learned Steve had suffered such devastating health problems. I prayed for him then, and I pray for Linda and their family now. God’s richest blessings.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Prayers to Linda and to all the family! I knew Steve from the 5th grade at Linden West. Lots of memories from our school days. Steve will be sadly missed by all who knew him! So very sorry for your loss!😥

I have not seen Stephen for many years.  The last time I saw him he was working security at Metro North Mall (I think).  We talked for a while and shared some good laughs.  Stephen and I lived next door to each other and shared many fun neighborhood events together.  He and his brother were two people that I saw every single day.  I remember his grandmother, grandfather and have special memories of his mom, Norma, as she was such a nice lady.  His grandmother would always bake me a rhubarb pie when she could find it fresh in the grocery store.  As a kid, I loved rhubarb pie!! It was a great time to be growing up:  it was safe, we could play all day, come home for dinner, and meet outside again after dark.  Stephen is a major and positive  part of my childhood memories.  I am sure he was a great father and husband.  He will be missed.  

Prayers and blessings to Linda and family. Steve was a wonderful man . Enjoyed his friendship very much . Such a kind person , so very proud of his family! Well miss him .

OBITUARY

Stephen Edward Carroll

January 6, 1947 – November 21, 2020

Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home & White Chapel Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Military Honors Inurnment