Stephen James “Steve” Sechler was born November 5, 1954, in Canyon, Texas. he passed from this life on April 16, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. Steve spent most of his school years in Boise City, Oklahoma and graduated from there. During High School he enjoyed rodeoing and riding bulls.
In his early years, he spent most of his time at the Wiggins Ranch honing his ranching skills. On October 20, 1973, he married Elizabeth Rose Heppard in Boise City, Oklahoma. They made their home in Kenton.
Steve was a good cattleman and ranch hand, and quite good with a rope. This work also required having a good horse. Steve ran cattle with his good friend Ty. He worked for the Vincent Ranch 18 years, Jim Ferguson 17 years, and Junior Labrier/ John and Vikki Shumacher for 22 years.
He always took time to help others any way he could. Steve loved kids and wanted to teach them the cowboy ways.
Steve was on the fire department for 36 years. He enjoyed going to church and was very involved in the Kenton Community.
He was preceded in death by his mother Georgia (Corkie) Sechler Maxwell.
Steve is survived by his three sisters, Sharon and partner Bill, Sandy and partner Jeremy, and Kim and husband Jeff; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, cousins, including his cousin and lifelong friend, George Briant; a special bonus family Ty Holland, his son Kade, daughter Kasidy and her husband Ethan and their son Benton Shields. He is also survived by numerous other good friends, including long-time good buddy Wayne Heppard.
Steve will be greatly missed by all his family and numerous friends that knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on May 17, 2025, at the Old Gym in Kenton, Oklahoma.
Steve was a great guy who will be sorely missed!
So many memories. I wish Steve had written a book. He knew the panhandle hills better than anyone. . We rode horse back many a mile together and had the pleasure of hearing many a story. Stories of our grandads, who were life long friends to stories of his own life. Steve enjoy your new home as you ride pain free.
A lifelong friend. Vaya con Dios compadre , I will miss you
Steve & I were best friends since grade school. We would walk home together after school each day. We played all sports together in school very. So much fun. Those are some of the best memories to this day & I often reminisce about those times. Any time Kelly & I went to Kenton we made time to go visit with him. He always told me that we were like brothers than just friends & I always agreed with him. I love you & will miss you my brother. Until we meet again.
I remember Steve coming over to see my brother Billy Henley’
He was always very polite my whole family thought a lot him.May he rest in peace.
Sad to hear the news of Steve’s passing. I have known him and his family for many years. Steve was always polite and loved people. His mother Corky and my mother worked together and visited often. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a joy to be around.
Steve, and I go waay back (when he was called “Stevie”)!. His dad Sam and my Dad, Moe Atkins, were friends from way back. I still remember Sam. Steve and I were the same age, so played together w my older brother Jay. I’m glad I got to hang out with Steve some when I lived in Boise City. We laughed a lot sharing memories from our childhood, and even rode horses in that area we both loved so much. I’m sorry for his family’s loss, Steve was a kind, caring person and very thoughtful friend. Maybe we’ll two step again some day, my cowboy friend, Stevie. My prayers go out to his friends and family. 🙏🏼❤️
Lots of great memories from the Big Rocks. Summer vacations spent hanging out and listening to stories there. Steve was always keeping in touch and we will miss his calls from Oklahoma. Until we meet again Uncle Steve.
Met Steve when I first started dating Judy we became friends. Rode many a mile traveling the back roads pastures listening to his stories. Making stories with him Paul Allen an Wayne. We were good guys turning into good men. Will miss him.
Steve was always helping someone out and never ask anything in return. We were friends for a long time, even before he became family. He’ll definitely be missed.