Steve Hazelbaker, 75, of Stout, died Monday, September 2, 2024, at SOMC Hospice. He was born July 27, 1949, in Portsmouth to the late Carl and Barbara Joan Kayser Hazelbaker.
He was an Eagle Scout and a 1969 Portsmouth West High School graduate. He then served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. He received a governor’s award and was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, presented for contributions and outstanding service to the community, state and nation. He was a hard worker and good at anything he attempted. He retired from Performance Site Management Company where he served many roles over the years. His coworkers remember him as an example of a true leader.
Steve is survived by his wife, Vicki Shaw Hazelbaker, whom he married on December 12, 1970, a son Jason (Julie) Hazelbaker, a daughter Jill (Mark) Kelly, two sisters; Debbie (Jack) Fenner and Linda (Dewey) Slone and four grandchildren; Ella Hazelbaker, Clara Hazelbaker, Libby Kelly, and Warren Kelly. He is also survived by special cousins Glenna Graham Arnett and Tim Graham; one niece, Jennifer Reynolds; and three nephews, Derek Fenner, Matt Fenner, and Jeff Slone.
Steve was always eager to help his friends and family and showed his love through cooking, building beautiful wooden creations, constructing patios and walkways, landscaping, and helping with home projects.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sierra’s Haven in honor of Steve’s love for animals and nature or to SOMC Hospice Caritas Fund in appreciation for the care and kindness of the employees. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.
