Steven C. Waite

Steven Carlton Waite, 83, of Louisiana, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 11, 1942, in Louisiana, MO to Leonard Carlton “Bud” Waite and Eileen Starr Waite. Steve spent most of his life in Louisiana. During his early years, he attended Wyler School for Boys Military Academy in Evansville Wisconsin. Upon returning home, he graduated from Louisiana High School in 1960. He went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he earned his degree in Printing Management in 1965. While in college, Steve participated in ROTC and was a member of the Air Force Honor Precision Drill Unit. On August 20, 1988, Steve married the love of his life, Kathy Sloan Trower, who survives him. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Wayman) Owen of Liberty, South Carolina; children: John K. (Mary) Waite and Tommy (Rachele) Waite of Hannibal, MO, Richard (Kandy) Waite and Crystal Raby of Bowling Green, MO, Tammy Moss, Michael (Tammy) Trower, and Stephanie Price, all of Louisiana, MO. Additionally, he is survived by many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law: Patricia Capps of Louisiana, MO, and Bertie Hartjes of Center Point, Iowa. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas Kirkbride Waite; his grandson, Matthew Thomas Waite; and nephews Joseph Daniel Odom and Ryan Douglas Brown. Steve lived a rich and fulfilling life. He had a lifelong love of farming and an uncanny ability to identify nearly every tractor, vehicle make, model, and year ever made. His work life included several careers: over-the-road truck driver with the CB handle “Always Lost,” owner and operator of Midland Graphic Arts after his parents' retirement, Shift Supervisor at Louisiana Plastics, and Sergeant at the Northeast Missouri Correctional Facility in Bowling Green. Later, he owned and operated Clean Sweep Custodial Services, and in “retirement,” he and his wife continued serving their community by mowing lawns until his health declined. Steve was deeply devoted to his God, his Country, his Community, his Church, and his family and friends. He served faithfully in many roles throughout his life. He served on the BONCL School Board, Secretary of the Lions Club, Treasurer of Perseverance Lodge #92 A.F. & A.M., Worthy Patron of Nightingale Chapter #117 Order of the Eastern Star, and President of the Rotary Club. A committed volunteer, he gave his time to the Buffalo Fire Department, was a leader of Celebrate Recovery for 10 years, and delivered food for the Louisiana Food Pantry. He enjoyed visiting with friends at the Trimble House, where he found fellowship and joy. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and later being honored as Deacon Emeritus. At the time of his passing, he was affiliated with numerous Masonic and fraternal organizations, including Perseverance Lodge #92 A.F. & A.M., Excalibar Commandery No. 5 Knights Templar in Hannibal, MO, Hannibal Chapter No. 7 Royal Arch Masons, Trinity Council No. 47 Cryptic Masons, Troy Chapter #10 Order of the Eastern Star, and the National Rifle Association. He will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp wit, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family, friends, church, and community. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are John Waite, Richard Waite, Tom Waite, Michael Trower, Austin Hill, and Kase Raby. A Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Louisiana, MO. The Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 24th at the church with Greg Darnell officiating. Burial of his urn to follow at the Fairview Cemetery near Louisiana, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, The Trimble House, Celebrate Recovery, Louisiana Food Pantry, and Pike County Home Health and Hospice. Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO is in charge of arrangements.

Steven C. Waite

January 11, 1942 - October 12, 2025