Stephen D. Condray

Stephen Douglas Condray was born in Sand Springs, OK on December 22, 1949 to John L. and Oleta Condray. He passed away peacefully at his home on February 29, 2016. Steve grew up in Cleveland, OK and graduated Cleveland High School in 1968. Soon after graduating he joined the United States Navy. He served as a signalman on the USS Bigelow and he was proud of it. He is known to have convinced at least one of his sister Kathy's buddies and one of Stephanie's to join the Navy. He knew it would teach them discipline and to be good men; good men like he was. He spent most of his career at the City of Owasso as Chief Building Inspector. When he was hired, the city's population was around 4,000, when he left it was closer to 13,000. He was extremely proud of his accomplishments in Owasso and took his position seriously. In the early 80's there were no licensing provisions for municipal building inspectors. Steve always felt that was the most important part, the structure. In large part, due to his efforts, the state of Oklahoma now requires a state license for not only electricians, plumbers and mechanical inspectors but for building inspectors as well. Although he held a license in all four trades, he was most proud of his Building Inspector License #000046. He fought for this because it was the right thing to do. Steve loved his family and all spare time was spent with them. He had a great sense of humor and was hysterically funny. He loved to be outdoors and he loved road trips. He was spontaneous and hated a schedule, there were many road trips planned and executed in minutes. Those were the best, and usually involved a member of the Hale family in Texas or Lake Texoma. He was great to get started but always ended up getting lost within 3 miles of the final destination. Standing joke in the Hale family; just tell us where you are and stay there, we'll come and get you. When not on an unplanned road adventure Steve loved camping, four-wheeling, and just being one with nature. He knew the name of every bird, tree, berry, wildflower and strange animal in the state. He loved animals and was never without a dog and cat. He also loved kids, he was really still a kid at heart. Long after Stephanie moved out of the house her friends, male and female, would come by to see Steve, just to see what that old hippie was up to. He treated them like his own kids, even taking some in to raise if needed. Steve was a great teacher, he knew a lot about a lot; however odd the subject might be. He wanted kids to think for themselves so he figured if he discussed something off the charts they would research it for themselves and make their own decisions. He always said there is a fine line between genius and insanity; he was both and that is why we loved him. He lived life the way he wanted, not necessarily the way people thought he should. His greatest pupil was his daughter Stephanie. He loved her with all his heart and was so proud of her for achieving her goal of not only becoming a counselor; but a very good counselor. He also wanted her to enjoy life, have fun, live a little. As a child they made weekly visits to the Magic Store to stock up on rubber snakes, plastic spiders, whoopee cushions, fake puke and flies in ice cubes. Mom was usually on the receiving end of these jokes and did not find them as amusing. And that made them laugh even harder. Steve is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Glenda Sue Condray. Survived by his wife, Shelley, of the home, daughter, Stephanie (Scott) Hitsman of Sand Springs, OK, mother in law, Betty Stephens, Tulsa, OK; three sisters, Kathy Williams of Cleveland, OK, Gail Frank, Omro, WI; Robin (Bobby) Leonard, Broken Arrow, OK; brother Robert Condray, Osage, OK and many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Viewing will be 10AM-8PM, Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 4, 2016 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Stephen D. Condray

December 22, 1949 - February 29, 2016