Stephen Waite

Stephen (Steve) Kent Waite, the youngest child of Garland Max Waite (deceased) and Alma Dean Waite, passed suddenly Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at the age of 64. His absence will create a void that will affect his family forever; but he leaves behind a lifetime of great memories, love, and valuable life lessons.

Stephen graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High School in 1978. In his youth he worked at Burger Chef and Walmart. Upon graduation he worked at Mills Iron and Supply for many years before going to work at Essex Company in 1988. Essex was later bought by Dow Chemical Company and Stephen continued with Dow Chemical Company and worked in Poplar Bluff; Hillsdale, Michigan; and Festus, Missouri. While at Dow he received the “President’s Award” and earned the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. He retired from Dow Chemical Company in 2011. He then worked for Pinkston Excavating with his father Max Waite. He also worked at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library for five years and then fully retired and devoted his time to his homestead. He completely renovated their home, built his wife a chicken mansion, and found a love of the culinary arts. His pies have been requested in a five-state area. Stephen loved heavy equipment and possessed the one-of-a-kind ability to work on anything. He especially loved older tractors, motorcycles, and farm implements. He had a strong mechanical aptitude and was able to diagnose and fix any problem. Friends and family relied on him regularly, he was the go-to guy.

His spirit will live on in his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Stephen’s fingerprint is reflected on every piece of their home and farm.

Stephen leaves behind his wife and soulmate, Christina (Chris). They celebrated their 42nd anniversary on June 21. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren who referred to him as PawPaw Stephen. His grandchildren were his greatest joy in life; Stephen’s whole world lit up when they were around. They have two children and six grandchildren. Their son Stephen and his wife Ashley Waite live in Oklahoma; they have two sons – Max and Mason. Their daughter KaCee and her husband Rusty Collins live in Poplar Bluff; they have two daughters – Aubrey and Mabry, and two sons – Ledger and Cole.

Stephen has four siblings, sisters, Jeanne Schulte – Highland, Illinois; Suzy Lux – Poplar Bluff; brothers, Brian Waite (deceased) and a twin, Scott Waite (wife Brenda) – Poplar Bluff. Other family members include brother-in-law, Fred Hildrich (wife Lena) of New Boston, Texas; three nieces, Erica, Nicole, Chelsea; and four nephews, Thomas, Chris, Jason, and Ben; and four nephews Thomas, Chris, Jason, and Ben, eight great-nieces, Mercedys, Lexi, Chloe, Breana, Layla, Paige, Alisah, Bailey and three great-nephews, Dyllon, Jaxon, and Axle.

Visitation will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at the Waite family home located at 161 Magnolia Lane in Poplar Bluff. Funeral service will follow beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Jason Jordan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to the United Cancer Assistance Network (UCAN) at 1899 N. Westwood Blvd, Suite C, PMB 172, Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Stephen Kent Waite.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.