Steve Shasteen

Steven Greg Shasteen, of Gainesville, passed away November 10, 2013 in Gainesville at the age of 57. He was born March 10, 1956 in Gainesville.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Charlene Shasteen; paternal grandparents, Alvin and Ina Pearl Shasteen; and maternal grandparents, Charles Deen, Clarence (stepfather to Charlene Shasteen) and Elsie Marie Graham.

Steve is survived by one brother and three sisters: Sharon Godoy of Gainesville, Carol Pitchford (Greg) of Oak Point, Robert C. “Bob” Shasteen (Elaine) of Spring, and Susan Shasteen of Corinth.

Steve is also survived by nieces and nephews: Michael Thomas of Gainesville, Stephanie Shasteen of The Woodlands, Phillip Shasteen of Houston, Jonathan Shasteen of Richardson, and Gregory Pitchford of Austin; as well as great-niece and nephew, Caraline and Orion Thomas of Gainesville.

Survivors also include his great aunt, Irene Luttmer Sicking of Myra; aunts and uncles, Ray Graham, Sheila Hussein, Rita Greer, Virginia Capps, Gary Graham, Wayne Shasteen (Nicky), Eugene Shasteen (Freddie), John Wesley Shasteen (Glenda), Alvin (Junior) Shasteen, and Martha Krebs.

A life-long resident of Gainesville, Steve graduated from East Texas State University, Commerce Texas, 1978, with a bachelor’s of music, percussion. He studied with well-known professors at North Texas State University (UNT) starting around the age of 12 and was the section leader from that time on in the middle school and high school percussion section. During high school, Steve competed in and won numerous UIL solo and ensemble competitions and performed with his younger brother, Bob. Steve performed in a rock band during high school with other local musicians as their drummer. He even played with the high school percussion section to cheer the football team on to state competition, bringing fellow East Texas State percussionists with him, chanting “Go Red!” Steve coached students in percussion ensembles for UIL competitions who competed at State and had some private students. He also performed with the Cooke County Chorale playing percussion, timpani, at Handel’s Messiah performances.

Steve worked in custom hay baling and farming for most of his life with his father and brother. He most recently worked at the Denton State School as a direct caregiver on third shift. He loved classical music, classic rock, history, lively political debates, nature, spending time with family and friends and helping anyone in need. Steve loved animals, adopted and treated them like family. He was generous and helpful to all who knew him. He maintained friendships from early childhood to the present.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, 2013, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. Visitation with family is scheduled from 12 – 2 PM, services immediately following in the chapel at 2 PM. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Rev. Hollis Parsons, a friend of Steve and his family, will be officiating.