Surrounded by his loving family, Stephen “Steve” David Peterie Jr. of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023 after a brief illness.  He was born in Osceola, MO on July 13, 1971 to Stephen David Peterie and Janet Sue Peterie (Willcutt) of Collins, MO, both of whom were tragically killed in a car accident when Steve was just five months old. Following the accident, he was raised by his grandparents Durl and Artie Lee Peterie.  He had a particularly close relationship with his grandmother who had a major influence in shaping his life. Steve would start many sentences with “as my grandma used to always say.”  He was saved and baptized as a young boy in Weaubleau Creek and joined Collins Baptist Church.

After graduating from Weaubleau High School in 1989, Steve attended the University of Missouri – Columbia before returning back to Springfield, MO. It was important to Steve to be closer to his grandmother, who had become ill. She had cared for him his entire life and he insisted on caring for her in her final days. He then graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU) in 1993.   From there, he began his successful career in the field of architecture and design. Steve was very proud of his almost 30-year career with O’Reilly Auto Parts and treasured his friendships with many fellow team members and business associates across the nation. As he approached retirement, he had many plans to continue his love of travel and to one day visit Australia to swim with the sharks.

Steve enjoyed being with his family more than anything. He also loved being outdoors, playing golf, and was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and the St. Louis Cardinals.  Steve and his family had just returned home from a European vacation, where they traveled to watch the St. Louis Cardinals play in the MLB London series and also visited St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland, which was a lifelong wish for Steve. We believe it was God’s timing that they were able to complete this trip of a lifetime just prior to becoming ill.  Steve also gave of his time as he volunteered or served on boards for area not-for-profit organizations, including Boys and Girls Club, Safe and Sober, and Convoy of Hope.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Durl and Artie Lee Peterie, Gene and Billie Willcutt, and uncles Tom Castor and Otis Morgan.  He is survived by his two children, Maggie and David Peterie, and their mother Julia Peterie, his fiancée, Julie Gray and her daughter Addison Gray, whom he loved and cared for as his own, his aunts Durlene Castor, Patsy Morgan, Sherry Gann (Ray), his uncles Doug Willcutt (Tanya), Randy Willcutt (Donna), and Lonnie Willcutt, as well as many cousins. Over the last 5 years, Steve also played a very special role in the lives of his soon-to-be nephews, Sam and Jack Gillham, and their mother Jamie Gillham. Steve never knew a stranger and leaves behind too many friends to count.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Unit 4B at Mercy Hospital Springfield for their compassionate care during his short illness.

A visitation will be held at Greenlawn East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO, on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held at Greenlawn East on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. A burial will then be held at 1:00 p.m. at Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery in Collins, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to consider a donation to “The Steve Peterie Memorial Fund Benefiting His Children,” which will directly benefit their education needs.  The fund is held at Central Bank of the Ozarks and contributions can be made by mailing a check to Central Bank, PO Box 3397, Springfield, MO 65808.