March 8, 1939 ~ July 20, 2026
Steve passed from this earthly life on July 20, 2026, in Bartlesville, OK. Born to the late Emma Frances (Fagan) and William Edward Leroux on March 8, 1939, in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, he was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the oldest of 6 children. A lifelong, devoted Catholic, he attended Cascia Hall High School where he was awarded the Most Valuable Player in football. He attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in Geology in 1961. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Steve met Diane Wilcox early in the summer of 1965, and they were married October 16 of the same year, building nearly 61 years of marriage together. After moving to Bartlesville in 1976, Steve had many various entrepreneurial careers including Steve Leroux Homes and PrintCo Quality Printing, which he owned for over 20 years with Diane. His knowledge of Notre Dame football, trivia, pocketknives, wristwatches and love for travel and dinner was legendary. He was the President of the Bartlesville Art Association and was a talented painter. For many years he served his community at Mary Martha Outreach and at St. James Catholic Church. He was a proud coach of his daughters’ softball teams, loved to plan camping trips, and play the dulcimer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his favorite Aunt, Besse Leroux, and siblings Hank Leroux and Marty Clark.
Survivors include his wife Diane of the home, his daughters Lisa Leroux-Smith (Wes) of Lawrence, KS, Michelle Craig (Steve) and Judith Leroux, both of Tulsa, OK; sisters Elaine Lucas, Mary Bellamy and Kathy Burney. Papa will be missed by his 9 grandchildren: Mitchell Craig (Krysta), Braden Smith (Mikayla), Macy Craig, Bryce Smith, Mark Craig (Lilly), Emma-Frances Smith, Micah Craig, Mary Cate Craig, Jolie Martin and great grandchild, Cameron Craig. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mary Martha Outreach or St. James Catholic Church of Bartlesville.