December 21, 2009
My goal as I have been writing to you about the staff who work here was to end with writing about one man who plays a vital role in everything that goes on here. That would be the pastor of the church that we and our boys attend – Steve Estes. That was my goal. But it was not our Lord’s. In His sovereignty, God saw fit to bring Steve home earlier than any of us wanted. Steve passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home Saturday morning, December 19, 2009. Below is his obituary as found in our local paper this morning.
GRIDLEY — Pastor Steven R. Estes, 53, of 4879E 1250N Road, Gridley, passed away at 9:35 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 19, 2009) at his residence. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Salem Church, rural Gridley. Pastor Mark Barlow will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Salem Church. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Steve was born Dec. 10, 1956, in Peoria, a son of James M. and Mary K. Forney Estes. He married Jacqueline S. Polson on Aug. 21, 1982, in Bloomington. She survives. Survivors include his parents, James and Mary Estes of Graymont; two brothers, Timothy J. (Pamela) Estes of Dale City, Va., and Joseph M. Estes of Graymont; one sister-in-law, Jeralyn K. (Kevin) Morefield of Arrowsmith; seven nieces, Jazmine, Maya, Izabella, Lindsey, Raven and Katherine Estes, and Amanda Streenz; and three nephews, Tim, Justin and Jeff Morefield. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; one sister-in-law, Nancy Lynne Polson; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Ruth Polson.
Pastor Estes served at Boynton Mennonite Church, Hopedale, and later at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community as chaplain. He was also interim pastor at Flanagan Mennonite Church and Praireview Mennonite Church, rural Flanagan. He was serving as senior pastor at Salem Church, rural Flanagan, and as chaplain at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community. He authored over 12 books on Mennonite history. He was a member of the Mennonite Genealogical and Historical Society, Flanagan Ministerial Alliance and Salem Ranch Board.
Steve was a joyful man of God and lived his life according to God’s word. He loved his wife, his family, God’s people and God’s glory. He was an encourager, a teacher, a preacher, and a compassionate, God-glorifying man. His passion for the Lord was deep and love for Jesus was great. Steve Estes will be deeply missed. Memorial contributions may be directed to Salem Church, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community or Salem Ranch.
Many things could be said about Steve, and will be said about him in the coming weeks and months, but two things are for sure. Steve loved Jesus and he wanted you to love Jesus too. Steve had a joy in his heart that can only come from a relationship with Christ. And he shared that joy that was in heart with anyone who would listen.
Steve poured his life into everyone around him, because he truly loved people. When you were with him, it was like you were the only person in the room. All of his attention was on you, and how he could minister to you in Christ. Steve exuded Christ.
Steve’s ministry was not limited to the church and local community. Steve was integral to Salem. He served on our board of directors. He led chapel here for our boys on Wednesday afternoon and did the nightly devotion with them on Wednesday as well. He spoke at every boy’s graduation and sent them off with prayer. He was my friend.
We will miss you Steve. You have left big shoes to fill. But God is faithful and He will provide for us. We just weren’t ready for you to be gone.
Brent



