Stephen Newell Ireland was born February 7,1950 in Kansas City, MO and departed his earthly home for his eternal home on March 17, 2023. Steve was raised in Humansville, MO and graduated from Humansville High School in 1969. He was married to Donetta on June 28^th, 1986.  Together they raised five girls, Stephanie, Heather, Abbie, Ashley, and Autum. Steve was a devoted husband and his family were the love of his life.  He was the protector, hero and rock to his family and was loved by all who knew him.

After high school Steve began what would be his lifelong career in the automotive sales industry. Steve was a small business owner with high integrity giving specialized care to his customers.  He was known to be a mentor to many entering the industry.  For the past 25 years, Steve was the owner of Five Star Motor Company where he enjoyed making deals, making memories, and having fun.  His expertise made him a leader among his peers with multiple repeat customers.

Steve was large in stature, large in faith, and large in love for others.  As the patriarch of the family, God used Steve to lead, support, and encourage others with his gifts of love and timely words of wisdom.  He always knew where his strength came from and never wavered in that faith.

Steve never met a stranger.  Steve had a mischievous sense of humor and more than anything, he loved to tease people and sometimes to the extent of torment. He had that twinkle in his eye and an ornery grin and was a master story teller. Steve loved babies and was the ultimate “baby whisperer”.  Babies stopped crying when held by Steve at the highest altitude.

While we feel cheated by Steve’s sudden passing, we will celebrate the time we had with him. We are blessed knowing his legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and a host of loving family and friends.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, Donetta Ireland of Springfield, MO, children, Stephanie and son-in-law David Wheeler, Heather and son-in-law John “Bub” Hale, Ashley and son-in-law Sam Wisely, and Autum Smith. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren

His grandchildren include Jacob, Drew and Tate Wheeler; John “JJ”, Amber, and Hannah Hale; Tyler, Jeana, Logan and Lindsey Mattix; Addison and Aiden Wisely; Thaddeus Jackson and Thatcher Rauch.  His great grandchildren include Bryson, Tynlee, and Koltyr Mattix; Emma, Jazlyn, Mesmoriah Hale and Hadley Wheeler.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Lon Ireland and Connie Cervantes, his daughter Abbie Mattix, and his infant daughter Lindsay Ireland.

The family would like to thank everyone for joining us today as we celebrate Steve’s life.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be missed beyond measure.  Steve, Dad, Papa, Pa, Uncle Stevie, Uncle Stefano, was truly the man, the myth, and the legend.