Stephen E. Burrows
1956-2017
Steve Burrows, a native of Poteau and resident of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2017.
At seventeen, Steve met Ruth James, the girl who was to become his best friend, devoted wife and the mother to his three beloved children, Stephanie, Stacy and Joshua.
At around the same time Steve also started out in the produce department of Poteau Food Market, working his way up to Assistant Manager.
He graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College and got his first store manager position at Super H, eventually becoming Director of Corporate Retail Operations at Hale-Halsell.
He spoke at the 1999 National Grocers Association and was later recognized for his forward-thinking work in loyalty marketing by author Brian Woolf.
As the Director of Center Store Merchandising at HAC, Inc. (Homeland Stores), Steve coordinated sponsorships with OU and OSU Athletics and the OKC Thunder, combining career’ with one of his great passions – Oklahoma sports, and making lifelong friends of some of his sporting heroes.
Steve was a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many. He loved to cheer his grandchildren on at their sporting events and grill his famous burgers for family and friends. He devoted his life to caring and providing for his family.
Steve is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruth, his daughter and son-in-law Jeremy & Stephanie Martin of Pocola, and grandchildren Savannah, Connor, Aiden, Tyler, Jordan, daughter and son-in-law David & Stacy Christopher of Edmond, and grandchildren Finn, Jack Henry and Judd and his son and daughter-in-law Joshua & Kayla Burrows. He is preceded in death by his mother, Inadell Grigsby, his father-in-law Dale James, his mother-in-law Betty James and his grandson, Jordan Martin.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, January 3rd at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. A service will be held at First Baptist Church of Edmond at 11 AM on Thursday, January 4. There will be a graveside service officiated by Evans and Miller Funeral Home at the James Family Cemetery in Calhoun, OK Friday at 1 PM.
Steve was a wonderful kind man and one of the hardest working men I have ever met. His family are all great too. Prayers to all.. from all the Dorrough’s and Ahrens
steve was a good friend. i grew up with him from childhood.sorry to hear of his passing.
Steve was a friend to dietitians and anyone who was trying to help make people’s lives better! Steve had a huge heart for serving those.
Added to his servant heart he was an extremely smart man which we all know through his work but more importantly through his ability in winning Ruth’s heart and devotion for 41 years!
Much love to his family.
Steve was a genuine and true friend. He loved his family so much. He will be missed by so many. He is resting peacefully and I am sure watching over his family. He will be greatly missed.
Steve was always kind to Tootie’s friends from the time they started dating An always .I will remember his smile an kindness , A very good man that will be missed . Steve thanks for taking care of my friend.
Steve was a mentor and a friend who worked with a passion to improve our work place and make it better for all owners of HAC. He truly will be missed by all.
Many favorite childhood memories are my time with with Steve.
*We always played on the same baseball team throughout the years in Poteau.
*Each Fall, Steve’s uncle Frank would take us quail hunting, then Aunt Sally would fixed fried quail, mash potatoes and gravy. It was delicious!
*We would walk his neighborhood with B.B. guns shooting at birds. Steve once shot me in the finger but always said it was an accident. I never believed it.
*We got old enough to drive and Steve would always have the best cars. He would bring them to me to “tune them up”, then we would drag race others.
*My girlfriend Leslie (still my wife) would hang out with Steve and Tootie. We had some great times.
I will always have great memories or Steve and his family. He was always a great friend.
Will never forget Steve hanging out at our house, with JoEtta and Keith Ives. He was so funny! Once, when our parents were gone, Steve came to play basketball and ping pong. My parents came home and we told him to hide because we weren’t supposed to have friends over. He hid in the den behind the bar for what seemed to be an eternity until our parents went to bed! He swore that he would never be back! But he did! ?. Prayers for his family! Lorraine Ives Caldwell
Ruth, it has been such a very long time. I am so sorry for your loss. I often think of you. I will be praying for strength and comfort for you & your family.
Ruth, Stacy and family, thinking of you all at this sad time.
Steve was such a kind and generous man who will be sorely missed but he will always be in our thoughts.
The first time we met, he took us to a Thunder game – his enthusiasm was infectious and we were hooked. When we returned to the UK, we received a large parcel in the mail – Steve had sent us four OKC beer glasses – they have pride of place in our home. Every time we use them, we will tip a glass to Steve.
‘a man has not truly passed away until he is forgotten’
Ruth, so sorry for your lots of Prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely, Lea Ann Tackett Lowry
I worked for Steve for 7 years at Foodland. Steve epitomized what a true leader should be. He was never afraid to take a risk, but was as loyal to his employees as you would ever want. In 2003 and 2004, Hale Hallsel company was crumbling and many Hale employees were left high and dry. Steve, running the Foodland division at his own risk, made sure Foodland Employees were paid and placed. Rest in peace, my friend! You deserve the best.