Steven Lee Deane

Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Steven L. Deane, whose distinguished career in the U.S. Army, was surpassed only by the pride and joy he derived from being a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on Sunday, September 20 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.

Steve, whose wide smile and infectious laugh, left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, was ideally suited for his role as a successful recruiter and senior leader at various locations around the country. He was acutely aware of the critical role recruiting plays in the mission of the Armed Forces, and he was proud to place dedicated men and women in the U.S. Army. He had high expectations of himself and those he served with, but Steve was also quick to recognize those situations and moments that require patience and compassion.

In one online tribute to Steve, someone he served with wrote, "He was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever been associated with and did the work of so many to ease the burden [of others]." Another person remarked, "Good men don't just happen. They become good men through exercising the best of human values. Steve Deane was such a good man."

At home, Steve shared a full life with his wife of 39 years, Cathy (Hargrove), his daughters, Carissa Deane and Erinn Benson and her husband Bobby Benson, as well as his four grandchildren. The routines of family were never a burden to Steve, but rather always a pleasure. His presence in the lives of his daughters was constant and unconditional. No call for help was too small to ignore. Whether it was his grandchildren, his beloved dogs, or something as simple as a front lawn, Steve cared for everything with unyielding dedication and love.

"If something or someone was special to me, that meant it was special to my dad," said Carissa, an elementary school teacher.

In Erinn, Steve had a daughter who followed in some of his footsteps, serving for several years in the U.S. Army as a nurse before returning to San Antonio to raise her family. Living down the street, Erinn and Steve shared the early mornings together with walks and coffee.

At his side throughout was Cathy, who shared his successes and helped him navigate the long journey to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Over the years, Steve and Cathy lived in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Maine, Indiana, and San Antonio, Texas where they have called home since 2001. They loved traveling in general and cruising in particular, either as a couple or with friends and family. In recent years, Steve and Cathy developed a passionate shared interest in art and art collecting.

Steve possessed several personal traits and habits that his family and friends will never forget. Those who knew Steve well had at least one occasion to eat his famous chicken enchiladas, while his grandchildren enjoyed what were affectionately called "Poppy's famous waffles." Steve was never late for anything, especially a flight. Standing well

over six-feet tall, he had a booming voice, an appealingly mischievous smile, and an innate ability to make others feel better about themselves. When you were with Steve, you never felt that he wanted to be anywhere else.

Steve was a textbook Dog Lover. He cared for multiple dogs over the years, and he was steadfast in providing them the physical and emotional support they demand. He brought a similar passion to wine. In recent years, he took great pleasure in spending time with friends, drinking wine and bottling wine. He was an enthusiastic fantasy NASCAR and football player and a loyal Spurs, Cowboys, and Syracuse basketball fan. He was a very good golfer and, as a younger man, an avid basketball player.

Steve was born on October 9, 1956 in Indianapolis, the son of the late E. Stewart Deane and Myrna Lou Deane. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975, serving 27 years active duty and 14 years as a civil servant with the 5th U.S. Army Recruiting Brigade.

Steve, who earned a B.A. degree from Columbia College in Missouri, earned several awards and decorations during his career, including: the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal with nine devices, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development ribbon with the Numeral 4, Army Service Ribbon, and the Recruiter Ring.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Steve is survived by his granddaughter, Caelin; his grandsons, Liam, Owen and Ryan. He also leaves his stepmother, Judy Deane of Indianapolis; his stepsister, Siovhan O'Connor and her husband Dave O’Connor of Cambridge, MA; his stepbrother, Trevor Shea of St. Augustine, FL; his sisters-in-law Chris Hargrove-Carter and her husband Earl Carter of Austin, TX; Carol Sandve of Austin, TX; Claire Hargrove of San Antonio, TX; his nieces and nephew Ariel Carter, Aidan Carter, and Marney O’Connor, as well as several loving cousins and countless friends, colleagues, and individuals he mentored over the years. Steve was also the brother of the late Julie Deane and David Deane.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for cancer research to www.cancer.org. His family is forever grateful for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.