Stephen Marvin Bookout passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Fairview, Texas on August 20, 2024. Steve was a one-of-a-kind gentleman, who loved and adored his family, and led and lived the most wonderful life.

Steve was born on April 5, 1946, in Flint, Mich., to Naomi Pinkston Bookout and Marvin Elbert Bookout. He was lovingly raised by his “Unk and Auntie”, Wayne and Ruth Bookout Blackshare on their farm in Boydsville, Ark.

Steve was a man of many talents. In high school he was a star player on the Blackcats basketball team, played a starring role in the senior play, Hillbilly Courtship, and proudly played the trombone in the high school band. Quite the charismatic prankster, Steve was named “Mr. Personality” at Rector High School.

Steve attended Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., where he met and maintained lifelong friendships with a wild gang: Jim & Suzie Dunn and Guy & Judy Lessenberry.

Steve proudly served as an officer in the navy from 1968-1971. A career highlight was being a part of the USS Iwo Jima that picked up the crew of Apollo 13. Steve had the honor of dining with the astronauts at the Captain’s table. Every Veteran’s Day, Steve, fondly known as Papa, joined his grandchildren at their respective elementary schools so they could proudly honor his service.

After his military service, Steve, like Easy Rider, rode his motorcycle cross country from San Diego, Calif., to Arkansas. During a stop in Austin he happened to meet his future wife and love of his life, Dru. They were married September 30, 1972.

Steve worked for Traveler’s Insurance Company and Hobb’s Group before starting up his own at home business to take care of his aging parents. He was an active, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He was passionate about supporting Heifer International and had the pleasure of traveling to Haiti to see this organization at work.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth Blackshare, and older brother, Gary Lee Bookout. He is survived by his wife Drucilla Christian Bookout; son Stephen Caulder Bookout (Kieu Vo); daughter Sarah Ruth Hurlbert (Jeff); grandchildren: Conner, Tanner, and Tate Bookout and JP and Caroline Hurlbert. He is survived by his brothers Simon Bookout, Lynn Bookout, and multitudes of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of McKinney (315 N Church St, McKinney, Texas 75069). All are welcome to join the celebration and partake in one of Steve’s favorite activities (eating) at a reception following the service.

There will be a second celebration of Steve’s life in Rector, Arkansas on Sunday, September 1, at 1 p.m. at the Rector Community Museum. In lieu of flowers, be kind. Steve loved all charitable organizations, Heifer International being one of his favorites.