Our family is saddened to announce that Stephen "Steve" Paul Stockley, husband, father, brother, and Pop Pop, passed away on June 23, 2026, at the age of 75.

Steve was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Robert and Rovena Stockley on April 8, 1951. He graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1969, where he excelled on the Speech Team. He attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, serving as senior class president. In a Spanish class, he met the love of his life, Lynn (Brasmer) Stockley. They married in 1972 and embarked on a 53-year adventure together.

After graduating from ORU in 1973, Steve made his home in Oklahoma and spent 38 years with Tulsa Public Schools as a teacher and counselor in several middle schools. During this time, he also served as president of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers' Association. A lifelong and proud member of the OEA, NEA, and OREA, Steve devoted his career to advocating for students, many of whom had been written off, while fiercely defending public education and the rights of public-school teachers.

He is survived by Lynn; their two children, Joshua Stockley (m. Sheryl Ford) and Rachel Stockley; three grandchildren, Jacob "J Laird" Stockley, Emma "Emmalouyah" Stockley, and Edith "E.D Hopes" Christlieb; his brother, Daniel Stockley (m. Selena Stockley); and three cousins who will never forget his antics.

Steve regularly brightened and occasionally exasperated nearly everyone he encountered with his unorthodox ways and outspoken opinions. His thoughts found their way into the Inola Independent, where his op-ed, "The Voice from Left Field," earned recognition from the Oklahoma Press Association.

Whether one shared his views or not, there could be no disputing Steve's commitment to his family, equality, love, and food. He was a man of God not afraid to openly wrestle with his faith or ask difficult questions of religion, politics, or society. Nor was he afraid to try anything remotely defined as edible (except croutons).

Steve never stopped learning: about history, his family, and the people around him. That curiosity shaped his desire to befriend strangers and listen to their stories. Behind the loud personality and larger-than-life presence was a gentle teddy bear who simply cared deeply for people, most especially his family, friends, and neighbors.

He will be dearly missed, but his legacy - his stories, convictions, humor, love, and unmistakable personality - will endure in the memories of those fortunate enough to know him. In the words of his immortal Uncle Mott, "Until we meet again, keep the stories coming."

A Celebration of Life for Steve is planned for August.