OREGON – On Oct. 17 loved ones, family and friends lost Stephen Baker “Steve” Vagle, a true friend and inspiration in their lives to an auto accident. Steve was born April 15, 1950, the son of Robert “Stanley” and Mary.
Steve grew up in rural DeKalb County and graduated from Malta High School. Steve was married to Mary Ann Scobey on Jan. 9, 1971 in DeKalb, and had three children, Brad (Jennifer), Joe (Heather) and Amy (Matt) and ten grandchildren. Steve and Mary Ann were married until 2015. In recent years Steve was enjoying life with his loving partner Pam Wright and their beautiful little companion Millie.
Steve worked for 39 years for Eaton Corporation. While at Eaton, Steve worked in several capacities and locations, finally serving as their Global Logistics Manager until his retirement in 2010. In his retirement Steve operated his own home painting business and most recently performed facility maintenance for the Stillman Bank.
From his childhood on Grandpa Baker’s farm and through his adult life Steve loved everything about horses and the people who shared his enthusiasm for that lifestyle. From growing up in a farming community, to participating in organized trail rides with his family and friends and then on to raising, training and showing registered horses for many years. Steve was especially successful in promoting and showing Quarter Horses and Buckskin Horses in sanctioned International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA) shows. There Steve was competitive on a national level winning multiple World and Reserve World Championships, his first being in 1993 and his most recent in 2011. He was a true horseman and Showman! Later in life, Steve loved traveling the country to Cushman Scooter Rallies with his brother Rodney and to Flea Markets with friends in pursuit of collectibles to restore and decorate their home, and the “man caves” of many of his friends. He always had his eyes out for something that he knew they needed at his friend’s homes/shops. In recent years, he loved to take his grandchildren on these road trips, showing horses, camping, riding ATV’s and attending Scooter Rallies. He went to great lengths to make sure everyone had a chance to experience the things that he loved. One of Steve’s most memorable traits was his sense of humor. He had a quote, joke, or story for every occasion or situation in life. Making people laugh was truly one of his many God-given gifts. Just when you thought you truly knew Steve, another one of his many secret talents would surface. He had an incredible vision for promoting things, enhancing your business, and he had the physical talent to fulfill his vision. One thing you could count on from Steve, was that if you sought his advice, it would be about how to be more successful, or to have fun!
Steve leaves behind his loving partner Pam and their little Millie. Mother, Mary Vagle of DeKalb, Brother, Rodney (Jeannie) of Lenoir City, Tenn. Sister, Jill Groff (Dave) of Streamwood, son, Stephen Bradly (Jennifer) of Kings, son, Joseph (Heather) of Roscoe, daughter, Amy Scott (Matt) of Rockford, and 10 grandchildren, Conner Vagle, Vanessa Vagle, Alex Vagle, Devon Scott, Hayden Vagle, Alyssa Scott, Jessica Vagle, Bryant Vagle, Mason Vagle and Ethan Scott. Steve also leaves behind numerous cherished friends from all corners of the country.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Robert Stanley Vagle of DeKalb.
A visitation was held from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street, Oregon. A memorial fund is established in Steve’s name. To leave a condolence visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
