Steven Lee Brown, 47, of Eagar, Arizona, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Steven was born on June 3, 1962 in Springerville, Arizona, to Grant and Innis Brown. He was the 7th of eight children, and although not the youngest, he was always the "baby" of the family. Steven graduated from Round Valley High School then served for two years in the New England States/Hartford, Conn. Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He worked for Peterson Weaver Construction, Breinholt Construction, Alpine Trucking, Flat Top Trucking, Spur Lake Cattle Company, and Apache County Road Dept.

Steven loved the young people of our valley and he spent 14 years with the Apache County Sheriffs Dept. with the goal of helping the youth grow up to be great adults. He was the Commander of the Apache County Sheriff's Dept. and was noted for his efforts in search and rescue.

Steven was a Round Valley High School coach for 9 years where he inspired and was inspired by those youth that he loved so much.

Steven loved every minute of his too short life. He laughed, he sang, he danced and made you dance with him. He was born to entertain. He wore his every emotion on his sleeve. He adored his wife. He loved his family. Every niece thought they were his favorite. He loved his Savior and showed Him by his life of service to others. He was beloved by his family and by his community.

Steven is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Kelli Bauer Brown; sons, Bauer Kayle, Braxton Lenn, and Steven Bryson Brown; mother, Innis Brown; siblings, Danny Brown, Jimmy Brown, David Brown, Lenn Brown, Nanette Finch, Shelly Brown, and Shannon Bueler.

His father, Grant Brown, preceded him in death.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2010 from 5-7 P.M. at Burnham Mortuary, 535 N. Main St. in Eagar, and before the services from 11:30-12:30 on Monday, March 29. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the LDS Stake Center, 135 N. Main St., in Eagar, AZ. An account for Steven's family has been set up at the National Bank of Arizona.

Burnham Mortuary handled the arrangements. To send online condolences, log on to www.burnhammortuary.com.

Published in The Arizona Republic on March 25, 2010