Robert Steven (Steve) Brubaker, 76, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, November 16, 2024. Steve was a beloved husband and father who lived out his faith and was an example of Christ’s love for all of us. As a gifted writer, speaker, and storyteller, he delighted in sharing God’s word with family, friends, and others along his life’s journey.
Born in Kingman, KS, on May 23, 1948, he was the son of Robert Dean Brubaker and Maryellen (Closson) Brubaker. In 1950, the family moved to Meeker, CO, where Steve spent his childhood years. His love of farming and agriculture was formed at an early age, spending summers working on his Uncle Clarence Closson’s farm in Kingman, KS. Those early experiences contributed to the man Steve would become. He graduated from Meeker High School in 1966.
He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, and graduated from Kansas State University, College of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy – Soil Science, in 1970. During his agricultural career, he attended Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management - Executive Programs, Evanston, IL, in 1996 and 1998.
Following graduation, Steve worked for International Harvester, Chicago, IL. He had the opportunity to join his uncle on the family farm in Kansas for several years, then moved to Cortez, CO to work with his father in the family’s agricultural dealership. It was during this time, and due to his previous lay leadership and ministry-related activities with youth while in Kansas and Colorado, he answered a calling to accept a position as Youth Director at Trinity United Methodist Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Steve married Myra Jones on May 21, 1983, and became a father to her son, Bryan. The family then moved to Cortez, CO, where he rejoined his family’s dealership. In 1986, he began his 30 plus years of service with John Deere Financial, Manager eBusiness, eventually relocating to Salt Lake City, UT, Fresno, CA, Madison, WI, and Des Moines, IA. Steve and his wife Myra were members of Lutheran Church of Hope, W. Des Moines, IA. Following retirement in 2016, he and his family moved to Morganton, NC.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Myra Brubaker, and son, Bryan Brubaker, Morganton, NC; brother, Mike and Sue Brubaker, Hayward, WI; brother, Chris and Sandy Brubaker, Grand Junction, CO; brother, Corey and Tina Brubaker, Lincoln, NE; and sister, Tricia and Brian MacInnes, Albany, OR; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Maryellen Brubaker, Grand Junction, CO.
Steve’s faith was the foundation of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all. He has found his Heavenly reward, and is now where we all aspire to be, eternally – “In His Grip”. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” – Deut. 6:5.
Donations can be made to Freedom Farm Ministries, P.O. Box 153, Boone, NC 28618.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Myra and Bryan It was with deep sadness that I heard of Steve’s passing. Steve was an inspiration for all of us to follow. Always the student, he reinvented himself at every opportunity but never lost any of his values along the way. I remember him teaching me how to use an ATM and debit card , encouraging me to try investing in an upstart bookseller (Amazon), and introducing us to Des Moines and his church when we were transferred there. He will be missed by all who knew him as a kind, generous and Humble Christian Man. Rest in peace my friend.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Praying you feel the Lord’s loving arms surround you and give you peace that surpasses all understanding at this time.
Steve was my big brother as we grew up in Meeker, Colorado. We spent many hours playing together, building club houses, Tobogganing in the mountains, sharing our faith and youth fellowship in the Methodist Church, studying for hours for final tests in high school! Mary Ellen and Bob were second parents to both me and my sister. We’ve kept in touch with Myra and Steve over the years and there’s a big hole in my heart now that he’s gone. Rest in peace, my dear Steve, you’ve been a faithful follower Of Jesus Christ and I know you are where you should be.