In Loving Memory of Steven Michael Calderon

June 20, 1955- July 15, 2021

Steven was the fourth child, and youngest born to Shirley Edmonds and Rufino Calderon in Needles, California. He spent his entire childhood growing up and attending school in Needles, and graduated from Needles High School in 1973. At age 14, Steve started work for his stepdad, Red Lackey at Lackey Concrete, driving concrete trucks throughout high school and until 1974, when he landed a job with Santa Fe/BNSF where he subsequently worked for 16 years. Steve was always available to help his brother John at Cal Construction and did construction work until he was hired in 1995 at the Colorado River Medical Center as a Maintenance Engineer. Steve loved that job as it enabled him to use his many talents and skills to repair, maintain and problem solve issues for every department in the facility. Regrettably that position ended in 2005 when Steve suffered a work injury that prevented him from working altogether. While employed at CRMC, Steve met the love of his life, Jennifer Casas and their courtship began in January 2000. Their daughter, Stevie Marie was born in November 2000, and they were married on January 15, 2005. With his marriage to Jennifer, Steve also became a stepdad to 7 year-old Michael Lillard and 5 year-old Kimberly (Lillard) Walsh. Steve was a man with many interests and talents and an endless amount of energy. He was an active participant in the NA Recovery program for 28 years, and proudly served as Needles BPOE Elks Lodge #1608 member. He created many fond memories hanging out with the guys at Yoney’s Body Shop, listening to music, and working on cars. He loved remodeling his home, and enthusiastically shared all his talents and skills to help family and friends. Steve was especially proud to be the owner of a Harley Davidson, and enjoyed many fun-filled adventures with Jennifer and his posse of Harley friends. During the past nine years Steve encountered health challenges, but never lost sight of his priorities. Steve loved his family and cherished the time spent with his wife, children and especially the grandkids, Brody, Connor, and Jaxon. He helped Jennifer plan and looked forward to family vacations and holidays. Steve remained cheerful and optimistic with his battle to remain healthy and completed his bucket list. He spent countless hours, during summer visits with son, Michael, teaching him everything from car mechanics to home repairs, and modeling how to be a good husband and father. He was deeply honored to walk daughter Kimberly down the aisle qt her wedding, and to also be present for the birth of her second son. Finally, Steve was immensely proud to witness the college graduation of his youngest daughter, Stevie Marie this past May and revel in the smart, kind, funny, intelligent young woman he watched her blossom into. All who knew Steve loved him for his generosity, compassion, self-deprecating sense of humor and gift of making all who he encountered into a friend.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children; Michael Lillard (Nicole) and grandson, Brody; Kimberly Walsh (Tyler) and grandsons Connor and Jaxon; Stevie Marie Calderon and Casey Calderon and Erin Calderon. Steve is also survived by siblings, Margie (Mike) Hagstrom and Jimmy Calderon of Needles, CA; stepdad, Red Lackey of Mohave Valley, AZ, and countless relatives and dear friends. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Shirley and Rufino, and oldest brother, John.

Services will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 10:00 am, St. Ann Catholic Church in Needles, California.