James Stephen "Steve" Heare

James Stephen “Steve” Heare, 73, of Pampa, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in Pampa.   

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 8, 2024 at the First Methodist Church with Rev. Jarrod Neal, pastor, and John Curry, officiating. A private inurnment will take place at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Steve was born to Frank and Marian Heare, of Miami, on November 17, 1950 in Pampa. He grew up in Pampa and graduated from Pampa High School in 1969. Steve enjoyed playing percussion in the high school marching band. He was an excellent drummer who played in many local and regional rock bands. He attended West Texas State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later attended the University of Texas where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English.

Steve lived in Pampa the majority of his life. He was a lifetime member of First Methodist Church in Pampa and was active in the choir for most of those years. Steve married Karen Foster in 1987 at the First Methodist Church in Pampa. He worked at E. E. Ethridge Claims Service from 1976 until 2021, when he retired and closed the business.

He was an avid reader and a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Steve also enjoyed going on breakfast dates with his grandchildren. He was a dedicated husband, father, son, and “Papa” that will be dearly missed. The family is thankful that Steve is in the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ; healed and whole.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Heare; stepson, Christopher Owen; father, Frank Heare; mother, Marian Stroup; and sister, Teri Keeling.

He is survived by his sons, Adam Heare and his wife Kate of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Daniel Heare and wife Joanna of Pampa; 10 grandchildren, Gwen, Jackson, Tasha, Nora, Matthew, Ella Rue, Lawrence, Aspen, Madilynn, and Shepard Heare; stepmother, Evelyn Heare; brother-in-law, Jimmy Keeling; one stepbrother, Gary Guill and wife Katie; and three stepsisters, Anita Haiduk and husband LeRoy, Rita Tregellas and husband Bill Mac, and Leeann Heard.