T. Steve Garnett, also known as "Chief", age 74 of East Prairie, MO, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, August 20, 2025.  He was born July 25, 1951, to the late LeRoy and Nellie Garnett of Hebron, Kentucky.

Steve enjoyed life each and every day by playing cards, dice with the kids, catching turtles, arrowhead hunting, gardening, fishing, and working in his shop.  He loved telling jokes.  He had a daily routine of spending time with his friends, visiting Todd Palmer in the mornings and then on to visit George Kirby shortly afterward.  Most of all, he enjoyed being a Pa to his grandkids and great grandkids.  Steve was employed for many years by Story Farms.

On November 15, 1969, he married Marilyn Kay Beemon, and together they had six children:  Marilyn Marie (Stacy) Hedges, Stephen Lee Garnett, Theresa (Ronnie) Joachim, Kristy Ann (Rodney) Crawford, Melissa Dawn Garnett, and Jason Albert Garnett, who preceded him in death February 17, 1979.  Also surviving are two brothers, John (Brenda) Garnett and Danny (Sharon) Garnett; two sisters, Carol Helton and Darlene (Mike) Kollstedt; along with several nieces and nephews.  His grandkids and great grandkids were the highlight of his life.  Surviving grandkids include:  Megan Hedges, Clift Lewis (Cachet), Austin Carter, Mariena Carter, Alex Lewis, Dawson Crawford, Houston Crawford, Anna Garnett, Andrea Garnett, Mary Grace Garnett, Harper Garnett, Kayla Linhart, Stephen Christian, Charley Harwell and Voltra Thomas; and surviving great grandkids, Easton Wheatley, Maeve Hartmann, Hatton Lewis, Ralph Lewis, Cooper Shoffner, Lyla Rose Shoffner, Keyston Phrampus, Brayden Henson and Hadley Christian.

In 2001, he met a special friend of 24 years, Regina Burcks, and her two daughters, Lindsey Harwell and Kaitlin Riley.

In addition to his parents and one son, Steve was preceded in death by a special aunt, Catherine Marksberry; two grandsons, James Stacy Hedges, Jr. and Carson Lee Harwell; one brother, Frank Garnett; and one brother-in-law, Jackie Helton.

You will forever be in our hearts.  Rest easy Dad, Pa, Steve…..we love you!

Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements.