Stephen David Grafton, 75

Stephen David Grafton, 75, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, at the Lakeview Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Pack River Cemetery, with Pastor Wesley Ribeiro officiating.

Steve was born on Dec. 23, 1945, in Ely, Nevada, to William and Roberta Grafton. He grew up and attended schools in Lompoc, California, graduated from Lompoc High School in 1964. He matriculated to Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, and Biola College in Los Angeles, California. From there he left home to sell Bibles across the country. Ultimately he landed in Bessemer, Alabama, where he met and married his bride, Tangi (1945-2000) on Sept. 30, 1978.

In July 2012, Steve moved from Bessemer to Bakersfield, California, to be closer to family. While there, he enjoyed reading, watching baseball and going out to eat with family. He was moved along with family to Sandpoint in October 2017 and resided in Life Care Center of Sandpoint.

Life Care Center staff and physician, Dr. Scott Burgstahler, provided wonderful care. They often remarked how much they enjoyed Steve’s cheerful grin and funny remarks. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who cared for him.

He is survived by his brothers, James (Michelle) Grafton of Calimesa, California, Larry (Vicki) Grafton of Groveland, California, Dwight (Kris) Grafton of Merrillville, Indiana, Tom (Jane) Grafton of Merrillville, and Ted (Vicki) Grafton of Sandpoint, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William David Grafton and Roberta LaRue Grafton; and his wife, Tangi Grafton.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Stephen’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.