Stephen Ray Templeton, better known to all those who knew and loved him simply as Steve, was embraced in the arms of Jesus on July 13, 2025. Born in Lebanon, OH, he was the son of the late James Templeton and Molly Clifton Templeton. Steve was a graduate of Lebanon High School as well as Eastern Kentucky University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration and was a founding member of Kappa Alpha Order. Upon graduating from college, he proudly served in the National Guard for the next four years. Youthful and easy-going, Steve possessed a heart for kids and young people. He first served as physical director at the Florence YMCA and then moved in a different direction, becoming the purchasing agent for Litton Industries. Finally, Steve retired from being the owner/sales for Vertical Systems. Following retirement, he briefly worked for PNC bank.

A people person by nature, Steve’s community service, involvement and connections were innumerable. He served on the Boone County Board Of Education for over 10 years, and was a member of the Boone County Businessmen’s Association.  A man of deep faith, he was an active member of First Church Of Christ Union Campus since 2011. He took pride in his duties at the church as part of the welcoming committee, and most people remember him greeting them at the door with a big smile!  Steve was also Ryle High School’s very first mascot, known as “Raiderman”— receiving recognition in the Ryle High School Hall Of Fame in 2023.

Steve (Pawpaw) was always athletic and active, but the times which he truly enjoyed were supporting his grandkids in their sports. He loved helping coach their recreational basketball leagues and attending every one of their events. Steve was, in the words of a friend, “as sweet as his treats.” (He always passed out candy and cookies to everyone he met.) He had genuine kindness and compassion as well as a heartfelt desire to talk and get to know them. He volunteered for various non-profit organizations and also helped out at his grandkids elementary school.

Steve was the beloved husband and best friend of Jane (Jarrett) Templeton;  supportive father of Stacy (Jason) Payne and Brooke (Dave) Roscoe; and fun-loving Pawpaw of Katelyn, Lyndsey, Jake, and Luke. There are others who will hold Steve with everlasting love in their hearts as well – extended close relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews and his First Church Union family. Steve was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and his brothers Larry Templeton and Doug Templeton. 

Services will be held at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY, 41042 on Monday, July 21, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm with a service from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Directly following the funeral, Steve will be laid to rest at Richwood Cemetery, 1070 Richwood Road, Walton, KY 41094. A Celebration Of Life will also be held on the same evening from 5:00pm - 6:00pm at First Church Of Christ Union Campus, 12993 Frogtown Connector Rd, Walton, KY 41094. All services are open to the public.

Memorial donations in Steve’s honor may be made in person at services or online to the following: Next Gen at First Church Of Christ Union Campus, Larry A. Ryle High School Fellowship Of Christian Athletes, and/or The ALS Association.