Stephen Baird Peter

Stephen Baird Peter, 76, passed away on May 22, 2020 in Oklahoma City after a brief and intense battle with COVID-19. Steve meant so much to so many. He was an author, community leader, well-regarded public speaker, historian, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will always be remembered for the passion and care he provided to each of us; a devotion extended to anyone in his extended sphere of influence. Steve was born on August 29, 1943 in Okmulgee, OK and grew up there before his family moved to Oklahoma City as his father became the first Director of the Oklahoma City/County Public Health Department. Steve graduated from Northwest Classen High School (1961) and then Central State College (1965). After a brief stint in the Marine Corps, Steve devoted his life to public service in state government and to his family, which he began building with the love of his life, Julie Carole Randleman, in 1972. Steve served on various community service boards including: Goodwill Industries; Drug Recovery Inc.; and most recently, the Oklahoma City-County Historical Society. Toastmasters International was also a large part of his life and is the organization that taught him the communication and leadership skills that he so willingly shared with friends and family. He was a great man who, in his later years enjoyed retirement, traveling with his wife, and curating his massive antique newspaper collection. There is a big void in the world now and his family will continue to try to fill it. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send memories, pictures and stories to the Oklahoma City-County Historical Society. Steve was preceded in death by his father Dr. Maurice Lyle Peter, Sr., mother Claribel E. (Oldfield); brothers John Edward Peter, and Maurice Lyle Peter, Jr. His survivors include his beloved wife Julie Carole of 48+ years; daughter Chana Martin and her husband Chris; son Michael Peter and his wife Christine (Hendricks); grandchildren Mariah Jackson, Robbie Martin, Michael S. Peter, William B. Peter; Great grandchildren Coen Taylor, and Cade Taylor. Visitation will be on Friday, May 29th from 8:00am til 2:00pm at the funeral home. A graveside service will be 3:00pm, Saturday, May 30th at Rose Hill Burial Park in OKC. A celebration of Steve's life will be held later when it's safer to gather together in large numbers.