Stanford, Steven Allen

Steven Allen Stanford, born Feb. 5, 1959, in Allentown, Pa., died May 11, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, from lung cancer and other complications. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the lodge at Palisades-Kepler State Park near Mount Vernon. Pastor Del Bear will officiate. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Steven, son of Leland Elton Stanford and Mabel Good, grew up in Lambertville, N.J., and New Hope, Pa. Steven served in the Armed Forces in the late 1970s as a demolitions expert. He came to Cedar Rapids in the late 1980s. In 1994, he met and fell in love with Colleen Dawn Brown; they were married in 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen; sons, Jesse Stanford of Eugene, Ore., and Nicholas Ender of Cedar Rapids; and daughter, Rachelle Mae Brown of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daryl Stanford.

He had numerous occupations, such as chef (attended prestigious cooking school Johnson and Wales), was journeyman electrician for more than 30 years (a skill passed down and learned from his father), and had the know how to fix and build most anything. He helped many families and local businesses restore electricity after the 2008 flood. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. His list of accomplishments are endless.

Steve touched many souls and was a kindred spirit to animals and people alike.

The man lived life to the absolute maximum and he will be greatly missed by everyone. We Love You Steve-O!!!

A Steve Stanford Memorial Fund has been established. Donations are welcome and may be sent to the family.