Obituary Detail
August 20, 2024
Stephen Marvin Bookout, Age:78
Stephen Marvin Bookout passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Fairview, Texas on August 20, 2024. Steve was a one-of-a-kind gentleman, who loved and adored his family, and led and lived the most wonderful life.
Steve was born on April 5,1946 in Flint, Michigan to Naomi Pinkston Bookout and Marvin Elbert Bookout. He was lovingly raised by his “Unk and Auntie”, Wayne and Ruth Bookout Blackshare on their farm in Boydsville, Arkansas.
Steve was a man of many talents. In high school he was a star player on the Blackcats basketball team, played a starring role in the senior play, Hillbilly Courtship, and proudly played the trombone in the high school band. Quite the charismatic prankster, Steve was named “Mr. Personality” at Rector High School.
Steve attended Hendrix college in Conway, Arkansas where he met and maintained lifelong friendships with a wild gang: Jim & Suzie Dunn and Guy & Judy Lessenberry.
Steve proudly served as an officer in the navy from 1968-1971. A career highlight was being a part of the USS Iwo Jima that picked up the crew of Apollo 13. Steve had the honor of dining with the astronauts at the Captain’s table. Every Veteran’s Day, Steve, fondly known as Papa, joined his grandchildren at their respective elementary schools so they could proudly honor his service.
After his military service, Steve, like Easy Rider, rode his motorcycle cross country from San Diego, CA to Arkansas. During a stop in Austin he happened to meet his future wife and love of his life, Dru. They were married September 30,1972.
Steve worked for Traveler’s Insurance Company and Hobb’s Group before starting up his own at home business to take care of his aging parents. He was an active, lifelong Member of the United Methodist Church. He was passionate about supporting Heifer International and had the pleasure of traveling to Haiti to see this organization at work.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth Blackshare, and older brother, Gary Lee Bookout. He is survived by his wife Drucilla Christian Bookout, son Stephen Caulder Bookout (Kieu Vo) daughter Sarah Ruth Hurlbert (Jeff), grandchildren Conner, Tanner, and Tate Bookout and JP and Caroline Hurlbert. He is survived by his brothers Simon Bookout, Lynn Bookout, and multitudes of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at 10am at the First United Methodist Church of McKinney (315 N Church St, McKinney, Texas 75069). All are welcome to join the celebration and partake in one of Steve’s favorite activities (eating) at a reception following the service.
There will be a second celebration of Steve’s life in Rector, Arkansas on Sunday, September 1st, at 1pm at the Rector Community Museum. In lieu of flowers, be kind. Steve loved all charitable organizations, Heifer International being one of his favorites.
Condolences
Anna Hosemann-Butler August 23, 2024
Friend and former pastor Dallas , Texas
So deeply sorry to see Steve s passing. What a lovely man. We are all better for knowing him. Sending love and prayers for Dru and all. A.
Ralph Seay August 23, 2024
Rector High School Classmate Jonesboro , Arkansas
Steve was one of the best! He was always a positive force in any setting. I had the pleasure of playing trombone next to him in High School band, playing basketball with him, and acting in the Senior Play. He was such a fun guy who everyone wanted to be close to. He will be sorely missed by all of his friends. Rest in Peace, my Friend!
Linda Hardie August 22, 2024
Third cousin Ballwin , Missouri
I am so sorry to hear this. I was hoping he was getting better. You all be joined again someday where you can never be parted. I’m very sorry for your loss. I wish I had gotten to know him sooner. We just were starting a friendship from being related, we both have a great grandmother Treadway.
Vicky Giorgetti August 22, 2024
Friend. Pokino group Fairview’s , Texas
Love to Dru and all the family. Ee are here for your during your time of grief
laura underwood August 22, 2024
friends Allen , Texas
we are sooo sad to hear this news…. he was such a fun guy! yall are in our thoughts and prayers:) the yobps
Kevin Coughlan August 23, 2024
Navy Kentfield , California
My deepest sympathies in your time of loss. I served with Steve on the Merrick before he went to the Iwo Jima. Brief as it was, he was a joy to have in the wardroom. Infectious laugh and great to be around.
Marcus George August 22, 2024
Family Friend Houston , Texas
Love you all, blessings to everyone.
Nancy Lessner August 22, 2024
friend Fairview , Texas
We are heartbroken for the entire family. Steve was one of the best, and we are grateful that we could call him a friend. He was a blessing to all from start to finish. May you find God's peace through all the coming days of adjustment.
Joetta Milhoan Duke August 22, 2024
College friend N Little Rock , Arkansas
Dru and family, I am so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. He has been in my nightly prayers, and I pray for peace and strength for all of you as you feel this loss so deeply. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Melissa Morgan August 22, 2024
Cousin Lewisburg , Pennsylvania
Keeping you all in my prayers
Dale Howard September 08, 2024
Friend Dallas , Texas
Dru, Lee and I hated to hear the news. Steve was such a full of life fellow. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you and the family. That was a poignant FB post telling how the children were taking care shifts. Thinking of you and the whole family. Peg White asked how to reach you but I lost your contact info. Her’s Home: +1 (903) 568-0803 Mobile: (972) 989-1804 Hugs! Dale Howard
Carole Kalagian August 25, 2024
Friend from Rector Saint Louis , Missouri
A forever friend. Such a nice person.
Cheryl and Barry Sy August 24, 2024
Neighbor Fairview , Texas
We hold you close in our thoughts. We are deeply sorry for your loss. His rich life journey shows how dedicated he was to family, friends, community and country. Our deepest condolences.
Richard and Becky Collinsworth August 23, 2024
Friends Macon , Georgia
Have been wanting to call but knew you were in the middle of this whole thing. Would love to send a "remembrance," but need email to do so. We love you! R&B
