Steven T Findling, lifelong Adair County resident, passed away Monday evening, January 19, 2026 at the age of 69. Born June 24, 1956, Steven spent his life deeply rooted in northern Missouri where his values and presence left a lasting impression.

Steven lived and worked in the Kirksville and Greentop areas where he managed a farm, raised and cared for livestock, was a residential and commercial painter, installed flooring, did general contracting, and was a creative photographer, especially enjoying high school sports and wildlife photography.

Steven was a committed member of Hazel Creek Free Will Baptist Church where he served on the security team and was instrumental in helping create the annual Live Nativity drive through. He was always available to help with the other various ministries at Hazel Creek expressing his evident gift of hospitality, hard work, and servitude. His great desire was for others to find the personal relationship with Christ that he enjoyed.

Steve spent every spare moment hunting with firearms and archery. Modern day archery season for turkeys started in 1975 in Missouri, and he harvested the first turkey in Adair County. He was a hunting and conservation enthusiast and had many friends relative to the sport.

He was a gifted storyteller, known for sharing stories that were often humorous, sometimes exaggerated, and always memorable. Sometimes they went on for hours. His stories reflected a life well lived—rich with experience, hard lessons, and laughter shared across kitchen tables, pickup tailgates, and barn doors.

He is survived by his mother, Alice Margaret (Williams) Findling of Greentop, his son Ryan Findling (Heather) also of Greentop, his granddaughter, Leela, his grandson, Wyatt, his grandson Blake Lewis (Ezra), great-grandson Tobias, his sister, Esther Elaine Findling Damron (David) of Springfield, his brother, Paul Neal Findling (Lisa) of Lee's Summit, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Clarence T. Findling, who passed away in July 1988.

Those who knew Steve will remember him as a man who spoke his mind, lived simply, and stayed true to his beliefs.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Travis Noe Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to Hazel Creek Free Will Baptist Church, honoring Steven’s lifelong connection to faith and community, and they may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO.