Martin Stevenson Brown was born July 3, 1952 in Carthage MO to his mother and father, Lovetra and Edmund Brown. He was raised on a big working farm outside of Avilla MO filled with cattle and crops. He graduated from Carthage HS in 1970 and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis MD.

In 1974, he graduated from the Academy and earned a designation of Nuclear Power Officer.  He served for 5 years on surface warfare ships traveling around the world. In 1979, Steve left the Navy to work on the east coast at a power plant facility. In the 80’s, he moved west to complete his Masters degree in Engineering from the University of New Mexico. He was a project engineer in Los Alamos, New Mexico and Rocky Flats, Colorado near Denver where he in worked in nuclear weapons facilities.

Returning to Avilla to help his ailing mother, he took a job at O’Sullivan’s Furniture Factory as the plant engineer. He relocated to Springfield MO in the late 90s to work as a civil engineer with Great River Engineering in designing bridges. Steve worked at Great River until his retirement in 2016.

Steve met Becky Wells in 2005 at a speed dating event. Following the guidance and advice of friend and co worker Mark Gideon, Becky asked Steve one question: “What do you do for recreation?” And, of course, being Becky, she also had to ask “why do you have paint on your hands?” Steve’s reply was that he came to the event after painting his house that day. Steve’s answer was the winning response and they went out on their first date the following weekend.

Becky and Steve were married on June 9, 2006 at a bed and breakfast in Eureka Springs, AR. At the wedding, a deer stood in silent watch over the ceremony. Both Becky and Steve agreed this was a good omen as they began their life together. The couple has made their home in Springfield MO from 2006 until the present day.

Steve was an avid motorcyclist with a membership in the Brotherhood of Bikers motorcycle club. He earned the nickname “One Way” as he would ride out to the selected destination with the members but would come back with a different route on his own.

Steve found joy in restoring vintage trucks and making furniture. His furniture created from reclaimed barn wood continues to be a beautiful addition to the home that he and Becky shared.

Becky often remarked that it is important in any marriage to make certain that you marry your best friend. Steve and Becky’s marriage was filled with laughter, love and respect for each other. He took delight in discovering Becky’s quirks and foibles. Becky found great joy in expanding her horizons and experiences with motorcycles, trucks and farming.

Steve was a sensitive, intelligent and modest man. He had great pride in serving this country that he loved. Often, when he would see a flag flying he would be moved to tears. He had great patience with Becky and took delight in her naiveté and innocent view of life. Becky often read to Steve as they passed the time in his room at Elfindale.  Becky would be reading and then, being Becky; she would stop and ask Steve a question that had just popped into her head. Steve would look at Becky, smile and say, “just read.”

Steve is survived by his wife Becky, step daughters Carrie Osborn and husband, Mick of Tustin CA with children Emilia and Michael and Julie Woong and husband, Micah with children Delilah and Madeline of Rocklin CA. Their sister-in-law Betty Hygh has been a source of constant support. Steve had a special bond with great nephew Logan Hygh and his family as well as Logan’s father Mike Hygh and his family Often these gentlemen were engaged in deep conversations about life, trucks and family.

A service dog Tank was given to Steve in 2018 through the Canines for Camo organization. Tank served as Steve’s mobility and therapy dog as time passed. This beloved canine continues to reside at home as Becky’s constant companion.

A special recognition goes to Access Hospice of Ozark MO and the Manor at Elfindale here in Springfield.        The family would also like to extend deep appreciation to the staff of The Bodysmith where Steve participated in Rock Steady Boxing.

Becky asked Steve one day how he wanted to be remembered. Steve replied that he wanted to “be remembered as an honorable man.” Upon hearing this Becky smiled and replied “and yes…you certainly are.” Steve is survived by other family members and dear friends. He wished for everyone to remember that tears are memories and memories hold our lost loved ones close.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be given to either the K9s for Camo organization or the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks.

Services for Steve will be at 11:00 am Friday, April 7, 2023 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Interment with full military honors will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am Friday one hour prior to the service.