Stephen ‘Steve’ E. Stoneburner

BOURBON – Stephen “Steve” E. Stoneburner, 75, of Bourbon, passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home of Plymouth.
Stephen was born on Oct. 18, 1949, in Plymouth, to Earl and Caralee Hite Stoneburner. He graduated from Triton High School in 1968 and went on to attend Vincennes University.
From 1969 to 1971, Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Panama. In 1989, he married Darla Fisher Rust, who survives.
He was a salesman for Morman Seed, a service man for Coca Cola, and retired in October 2011 from CFS Fertilizer. He was a member of Faith First Fellowship Church. Stephen also served as president of the Triton Kiwanis, sat on the Bourbon Town Board and was a member of Potawatomi Park.
Stephen grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work by helping care for cattle and completing daily chores. A gifted athlete during his school years, he played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He was named most valuable athlete his senior year. He later passed on his passion for sports by coaching youth baseball. He also drove a school bus part-time, forming lasting connections with local students.
He cherished time with his grandchildren, never missing a single game or event in which they participated. He worked extensively with the Triton Junior Miss program. He enjoyed gardening, watching sports and playing cards every Sunday with family and friends for more than 30 years. Whether catching up at the local coffee shop in Bourbon or Plymouth, Stephen was always surrounded by those who appreciated his easy-going nature, loyalty, and quiet dedication to the people and places he loved most.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Darla Stoneburner, of Bourbon; his daughter, Laura (Benjamin) Doty, of Winamac; his sister, Lori (Danny) Quinn, of Louisville, Ill.; his grandchildren, Dylan Doty, of Winamac; and Braden Doty, of Winamac; his nephew, Josh (Jenna) Quinn and their son, Cody Quinn along with a baby due in July, of Louisville, Ill.; his nieces: Ashley (Bryan) Knapp and their children: Elle Knapp, Cohen Knapp, Hudson Knapp, all of Louisville, Ill.; Allison (Tim) Berger and their son, Austin Howell; Amy (Chuck) Lindsley and their daughter, Jacy; and his brother-in-law, Jerry (Michele) Fisher, of North Webster, and their children: Brandi (Paul) Howard, Kevin (Brooke) Hamstra, Sydney (Josh) Slabaugh, Madison (Eric Doll) Fisher.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Caralee Stoneburner; his sister, Linda Cullison; and his grand-niece, Carly Knapp.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at Bourbon Bible Church, 2002 12th Road, Bourbon.
The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Larry Goss and Pastor Kenneth Cooke officiating. Military honors will be performed by Bourbon American Legion. The burial will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.
Memorial donations may be made to Marshall County 4-H for the purchase of a permanent bench in Stephen’s honor.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.