Steven Paul Tackwell, 69, Columbia City, passed away at 9:28 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2016, at his home. Born May 15, 1947, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Charles E. and Mary Rose (Chalk) Tackwell.

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Steve graduated from South Side High School with the Class of 1967. He was then drafted in to the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. After returning home, Steve met the woman of his dreams and married Shirlee M. Christman on January 16, 1971. He had worked at GE, Carsten, McDougal & Wingett Heating and Air, Precision Litho Graphics and Whitley County Consolidated Schools. Steve was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne and the American Legion.

Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years: Shirlee Tackwell; son: Jeff (Angie) Tackwell, Leo; sisters: Janet (Dave) Pennell, Fort Wayne; Cindy (Dave) Huffman, Fort Wayne; and Sharon McCann, Fort Wayne; brothers: Tom (Lorna) Tackwell, Chelsea, Mich.; and Greg Tackwell, Brookings, Ore.; grandchildren: Blase McKinney; Aressa Tackwell; Lauren; and Luke Tackwell; twon great-grandsons: Emmitt; and Elijah Bays; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Jason Patrick Tackwell; and sister: Judith Coyne.

Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas A. Eggold officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the donor’s choice.