Steven Roger Bedard

Steven Roger Bedard was born on September 14, 1949, in Syracuse, NY, and passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020. He was a kind, loving, and supportive husband, father, brother, and friend.

Steve proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was on track to become an electrician had he stayed in the service. Baptized in 1986 after a home Bible study, he decided to pursue a life of service as a minister. Steve graduated from the Florida School of Preaching in 1989, and later graduated from Southern Christian University in 1996. He served approximately 16 years as a minister at different Church of Christ locations throughout Georgia and Florida, and wore many career hats before retiring due to his health. Some of Steve’s past jobs included being a cashier, server, bus driver, substitute teacher, and also filling in as a preacher for different congregations in the area. He was an active member of his congregation, The Hartley Bridge Road Church of Christ, and tried to convert many. Steve would have had everyone he knew become a Christian, if he could.

On August 8, 1987, Steve married Karen Ellis in West Palm Beach, FL. They were an example to all of what love looks like. Before Karen retired, he would make breakfast for her every morning, pack her lunch, and warm up her car. Steve was so proud of his family, especially his daughter, Margaret. He absolutely adored seeing her in various concerts and community play events. Spending time with his friends and family was when his heart was happiest. Thanksgiving and Christmas were definitely his favorite holidays, as he loved to socialize and enjoy a good meal! He also liked to cook and his favorite dish was pork chops and sauerkraut, a recipe from his German mom. Reese’s cups were his favorite treat.

Steve was a movie buff and owned over 300 DVDs. He saw the first Star Wars movie in theaters when it came out in 1977 and went back to see it six times altogether! Marvel and Pixar movies were also among his favorites. He had a deep love for a variety of music, as he enjoyed listening to the Beatles, The Who, Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Alabama, The Eagles, and John Fogerty. Two of his favorite church songs were "It is Well with My Soul" and "I'll Fly Away" and he had a lovely voice when singing along in church services or accompanying the radio.

Steve will be remembered for his friendly disposition and what seemed like a permanent smile on his face. He was a father-figure for many of Margaret’s friends as she grew up. He had a heart of gold and loved giving; he gave the most thoughtful gifts for birthdays and holidays. Steve also had a penchant for eagles and fun t-shirts. You would usually find him wearing graphic t-shirts that showcased his fun-loving personality. He always looked for a laugh and was never in short supply of dad jokes and puns. Steve was an avid animal lover, having adopted many cats over his lifetime.

He was a great storyteller and had countless, interesting stories that he would tell from his past, including two near-death experiences. He enjoyed raising plants, such as African violets, and had at least one aloe plant in the house for many years that he and his family would use to treat burns. Steve loved visiting Washington, D. C. and the Adirondacks in Upstate NY, taking Karen, Margaret, and his parents and sister on adventures for sightseeing and camping in his younger days. He was a stickler about leaving a rental property better than when he found it. He was very handy around the house and was happy to assist with any little projects. Steve’s sister, Suzanne, lived with him and Karen, helping take care of him before his passing. They bonded through their love of animals, music, and movies.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Jeannine Bedard; and his son, Wilson Joseph Bedard. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Evan Wilson; sister, Suzanne Bedard; brother, Arthur Bedard; mother-in-law, Jean Ellis; brother-in-law Daniel Ellis; brother-and-sister-in-law, Fred and Lisa Fletcher, and several cousins and other extended family.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 2, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m., in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.