PO3/SK3
Steven Paul Mecham, a long-time Pocatello resident, passed away at his home on January 12 surrounded by family and friends after a valiant, five-month battle with cancer. He was 76.
Steve was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on February 6, 1947, to Delbert and June Mecham. He attended Whittier grade school, Hawthorne Junior High and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1965, where he excelled at band. One of his highlights was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade with the Poky marching band in January 1965. Poky’s band was one of the last to make it on the TV broadcast and the commentator’s remark was, “Aren’t they the greatest?!”
After graduation, Steve briefly attended Idaho State University before enlisting in the Navy. He went to boot camp in San Diego, California, and had subsequent assignments in Gulfport, Mississippi, New London, Connecticut, and Camp LeJune, North Carolina.
Steve’s service to our country brought him to Vietnam for two tours of duty during the war. He was a member of the Navy’s Seabee unit supporting the adjoining military forces and ran the base’s exchange store while stationed in Da Nang. One tour took place during the Tet Offensive and Steve received a Navy achievement medal with a Combat V (the “V” denotes valor and acts of heroism). He also received a Navy rifle marksmanship ribbon, which is the highest award that a sailor can receive for rifle qualifications.
After leaving the Navy, Steve returned to Pocatello and joined his family’s business-Del’s Thrifty Market. He was a valuable member of the team, along with his mom and dad. When Del passed away at an early age, Steve took over running the butcher department and continued helping to manage the store (including overseeing the construction of a new store) into the early 2000’s. Steve also reenrolled at I.S.U., gaining valuable education in the College of Business.
After the closing of Del’s, Steve worked at Broulim’s grocery stores in Rigby and Roberts, Gottschalks department store in Pocatello, and Kesler’s Market in Blackfoot, where he managed the meat and deli department for 12 years until his retirement.
Anyone who encountered Steve at Del’s Market, or any of his other places of employment, will remember his outgoing personality, attentive service (“Here’s what you should cook for dinner tonight!”), warm smile and contagious laugh.
Steve’s passions were many, but near the top were camping at Red Fish Lake (he camped there at least 60 of his 76 years!), fishing, sailing (he owned multiple sailboats), jazz music, going on cruises, cooking and grilling for friends and family, reading, and hosting NFL Seahawks parties (a big thrill – Steve got to see the Seahawks live in Seattle in 2014 along with his daughter, grandson and nephew).
During his retirement years, Steve truly enjoyed being a member of the Snake River New Horizons Band (which his mom called “Steve’s Band”) and attending “lunch and games” and “fit and fall” sessions through New Knowledge Adventures (N.K.A.).
At the top of Steve’s list was his family. He leaves behind two beloved daughters, Amanda (Brian Johnston) Siems, Pocatello; and Molly (Craig) Devore, Eau Claire, WI, from his marriage with Holly Boyack Mecham.
Steve is also survived by his three siblings, Linda (Marlyn) Brunkow, Pocatello; Randy Mecham, Surprise, AZ; and Katie (Jack) Mooney, Pocatello; six grandkids: Benjamin, Stanley, Jillian and Madeline Siems; and Otto and Oscar Devore. He also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Steve,” and his beloved companion “Maggie” the golden doodle. Steve was preceded in death by his father Del, mother June Mecham Waltman, stepfather Wayne Waltman and sister-in-law Sue Mecham.
The family is beyond grateful for the Heritage hospice team who helped us through Steve’s last few days.
A military salute and memorial will be held at Steve’s father’s gravesite (Section 30 west) at Mountain View Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements under the direction of Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Snake River New Horizons Band in Steve’s name.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com.
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