Stephen 'Steve' Earl Grow, 82

On Aug. 20, 2017, Stephen “Steve” Earl Grow died peacefully in his home. He was surrounded by those who loved him. Steve was a longtime resident of Sandpoint, Idaho in Bonner County. He passed away at the age of 82.

On Sept. 13, 1934, Steve was born to the late Harold Asa and Helen Francis Houston Grow in Kewanee, Ill., in Henry County. Steve was the second of three children, including his sisters, Barbara Jean Grow (1933-1995), and Judy Carol Grow Gameros Rogers (1938-2014), who both predeceased him.

Before Steve’s fifth birthday, the Grow family moved to Hunting-ton Park, Calif. Steve graduated from Hunting-ton Park High School and afterward entered into military service at the age of 19. Steve served in the United States Army as an intelligence specialist. In August 1956, he was discharged honorably.

In 1957, Steve began his career as a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He served his surrounding communities in many capacities until his retirement in 1987. In particular, Steve served as a prominent youth baseball coach in Manhattan Beach, Calif. He is personally responsible for the development of hundreds of young athletes by teaching them the finer points of baseball and, most importantly, how to succeed as a team. He made a generational impact for all who knew him affectionately as Coach Steve.

In 1987, after retiring from the sheriff’s department, Steve moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. He loved the Sandpoint community and made lifelong friends. Throughout his retirement, he developed his love for antiques, classic cars, animals, and aviation. More recently, Steve’s most notable achievement came at the age of 69. In December 2003, Steve obtained his pilot license. He enjoyed flying his Cessna 182C for many years and earned nearly 1,000 flying hours. Because of his achievement and passion for flying, the Quiet Birdmen invited Steve to join their hangar in Sandpoint. Steve cherished the membership.

Steve is survived by his nieces, Margaret, Cathy, and Cheryl; his nephew, Steven; his grandnieces; and his close friends and acquaintances.

Family and friends are invited to sign Steve’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.