Steven M. Gant, age 73, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at his home. He was born August 29, 1950, in Sarahsville, son of the late Marcus Ford and M. Joan Dettra Gant. Steve was a 1968 graduate of Shenandoah High School and a graduate of Galion Welding School. He was Methodist by faith. Steve worked for Gerton Slingers making mail trucks and Baker and Noon Coal Company after high school and enlisted in the United States Army. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war, and he served his country as a Sergeant in Korea. After returning to the states, he gained employment with Marietta Coal Company of St. Clairsville, where he was promoted many times for his dedication and success. He retired from there as the Superintendent of the Bellaire Wash Plant/Loading Facility after 32 years of service. After retirement, Steve also worked for Noble County as a foreman with the Flood of ’98 Disaster Relief Funds and loved making a difference in his hometown. Steve’s work ethic was one of his greatest strengths. His attention to detail and willingness to take on any challenge stood out in every part of his life…personal and work related. He was a perfectionist in everything he did and expected others to also work as hard as he did. He had his own welding business as well as working full time and spending time on his hobbies. Steve was a “Chevy Man” through and through and was most passionate about building and restoring his 1955 Chevy. He collected cars as well as other items he loved. He also spent months assembling his own helicopter and took flying lessons in Arizona so he could attain his pilot license, a highlight of his life. Steve enjoyed many things in his life, and wanted things to be done right and to be the best it could be. He loved decorating for Christmas and shared his joy with the community for many years. Steve was also an outdoorsman and loved hunting pheasants, duck and grouse with his bird dog. He was a devoted dog lover and appreciated nature’s beauty always. Steve was dedicated, ready to go the extra mile, and determined to succeed. He married Mary Gill in 1969 who has shared all corners of his life, work and passion. Traveling the country to car shows and vacation spots, riding motorcycles with his friends, and even sitting shot gun in his favorite car or his helicopter.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Gant and Darrel Gant, brother-in-law Paul Gill and niece Ramona Parrish, brother-in-law Fred Gill and sister-in-law Mildred Cottrill.
Surviving are his wife, Mary E. Gill Gant, whom he married August 2, 1969; two sisters-in-law, Judy Gant of Cumberland and Jessie Gill of Caldwell; four nieces and a nephew, LaShona (Donnie) DeVolld, Rowena (Alan) Garvin, Paul (Gail) Gill, Debbie (Randall) Johnson, and Diana (Tim) Cox; several other nieces, great-nieces and nephews, great-nephews; his home maintenance worker Mike Bates, caregivers, Krystal Sisk, Austin Barth, Angela Wriston, Cindy Connor, Kathryn Money, and Teresa Stafford, Kristi Kirk, Jennifer Dickey and his beloved cocker spaniel, Mocha.
Friends may call Friday, January 5, 2024, from 11AM-1PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will follow visitation at 1PM with Ken Perkins officiating. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Olive Cemetery conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 16, Belle Valley, Ohio, 43717.
