Steven Dale Middleton Jr.

Steven Dale Middleton Jr., age 26, went to be with the Lord on 27th of November, in Walker, at his childhood home. His parents are Steven Dale Middleton Sr. and Heather Lynn Brown (Buttorff) and his stepdad Dallas Lloyd Brown.

Steven was born in Albion, Ind., on May 1, 1991. Steven was home-schooled until his freshman year. He graduated from Christian Heritage Academy in 2009. Steven was industrious and began working right away. He went to paramedic training and firefighter school. He joined the National Guard soon after high school in 2012 and was still currently enlisted. He served with the 294th engineering company. This company has treated him like family and loved him. Steven came to the Missouri Southern State University Show-Me GOLD program in August of 2015, which is an officer training program. Steven decided to pursue training in nursing and got his Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Nevada Regional Technical Center in 2014. He was a traveling nurse for several years, prior to coming down with cancer. His long-time friendships with Andrew Brown and Austin Buttorff were made when he rented his first house in Walker.

Steven was baptized as an infant. His hobbies include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, traveling, watching movies and gaming. He was quite a nerd, and one of his pastimes was attending Comic-Con and playing “Magic, the Gathering.” Steven embraced life and never backed down from any of the challenges he was presented with. After the passing of his Aunt Katrina Johnson, he soon met Katrina Edie, who became his new “Aunt Katrina.” Last year, Steven traveled on a European adventure with a group of close friends on a tour across Germany, England, France, Spain, Italy and more. It was the trip of a lifetime and he enjoyed every moment, recalling the sweet memories of the first time he was in Europe with Katrina Johnson and his brother Matthew.

Steven never married, but he enjoyed life to the fullest. Wherever he was, he made people smile. Steven had an uncanny ability to see the good in life. Always ready with a quick retort or funny comment. Although cancer was one of the most difficult things that had ever happened to him, he still saw the best in every situation. Toward the end of his life, he rekindled his relationship with Jesus. His strong faith in God was evident in his kindness toward others. He never met a stranger and embraced people from all walks of life.

Survivors include his grandmother, Wanda June Buttorff (Pettigrew); grandfather, Duane James Middleton; and grandmother, Beverly Jo Middleton (Ham). Aside from Steven’s parents, Steven Middleton Sr. and Dallas and Heather Brown, survivors include his brothers Matthew Finn Christian Middleton, Lawton Ian Phillip Middleton, Benjamin David Lee Middleton, Michael Isaac Adam Middleton, Jesse Lawrence Brown; and sisters, Toni Danielle Williamson (sister/cousin), Christanne Katie Lynn Middleton and Charity Autumn Joy Middleton. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Gordon Stephen Buttorff Jr. on June 11, 1985; his aunt, Katrina Lee Johnson (Buttorff) on Aug. 4, 2014; and his little sister, Victoria Anne Faith Middleton on May 17, 2004.

In addition to those already mentioned, he is survived by his longtime dear friends Katrina Edie, Lisa Savory, Kenny Kincade, Sarah Kincade and Cassie Driskel. They have passionately loved him and feel the loss with the rest of the family. To know Steven was to love him. He was a strong Christian, a loving brother, an amazing son and a very loyal friend. He will be severely missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Bro. Grady Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Flat Rock Cemetery, Schell City. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, Nov. 30, at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.