Steven Curtis Webster

MSG, USA (Ret.) Steven Curtis Webster passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his family home in New Freedom, Pennsylvania on November 1, 2024. He was born in Elkridge, Maryland, on October 22, 1954. Steven grew up in the farmland of Southern York County, Pennsylvania, and as a young teen, alongside neighboring farmers, he helped to plant and harvest seasonal crops, which solidified his passion for the outdoors, sustainable farming practices, and small family-owned farms. However, in the early 1970’s his lust for adventure kicked in and he spent the summer of his junior year of high school hitchhiking from Ocean City, Maryland to San Francisco, California where among other adventures, he spent time in Haight-Ashbury and had a chance to experience life living on a commune. He always said that experience forever changed his life. After returning home, he graduated high school and shortly after met and fell in love with his future wife Diane, whom he married on January 19, 1974. They went on to become the proud parents of three beautiful daughters, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Lindsay. He loved his family beyond all else and supporting them was what led him into enlisting in the US Army. His service began with the 2nd Battalion 37th Field Artillery Regiment based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, a duty station which he would return to two more times over his 25-year career. His military career was full and diverse, and he was highly respected amongst his peers, which speaks to his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. From one of his earlier stints as an Army Drill Sergeant to his final assignment as an Inspector General at the Inspector General Agency at Ft. Belvoir, his commitment to the Army and his country was without question. During his last German tour of duty in 1992, he barely survived a near fatal accident which is what ultimately brought him and his family back to the DC/Metro area and where he spent over a year in intensive care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While recovering from those injuries, he took advantage of the opportunity to work towards his goal of earning his bachelor’s degree and he also became a published author in the Field Artillery journal, of which he was extremely proud. His recovery was truly a miracle, and continuing his military service for eight additional years was a testament to his strength and determination to remain a soldier. After his retirement as a disabled veteran, he continued to serve as a civil servant to the country for an additional 24 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, creating systems and programs that are now foundational to the agency and that will live on long beyond him. He was never without his Army lanyard around his neck and everyone he met understood his passion for country, service and family. He was a rock of dependability and strength for everyone, formidable, but also so kind, welcoming and selfless at the same time. He was incredibly smart, and his years of being raised to be resourceful on a farm never left him. He was able to engineer fixes for almost anything, even the things he shouldn’t fix! He loved repairing electronics, computers and TVs to give to family or anyone that needed them, and he often repaired anything and everything in the house. He renovated his own home with the help of his family, repaired his own cars, and loved nothing more than a day tinkering in his garage, fixing various lawn mowers, or working on his bicycles. As his family grew and his daughters married, his priority of family was felt by his sons-in-law too. He did everything he could to be a helpful and supportive father figure to them – and was thrilled to gain three sons in the process! His strong presence will be sorely missed. Steven leaves behind his soulmate and love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Diane (Strawderman) Webster of Alexandria, VA; his daughter Kimberly (Webster) Steel and her husband James Steel of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; his son-in-law Daniel Saunders of New Freedom, PA; his daughter Lindsay (Webster) Pasricha and her husband Ravjot Pasricha, of Alexandria, VA; his brother Timothy Webster and his wife Dorothey Webster of York, PA; his brother James Webster of Jarrettsville, MD; his brother-in-law Marvin Yohe of Red Lion, PA; and his brother John Webster of Stewartstown, PA. As well as his four super special grandchildren who will miss him dearly and who he loved so much. Jaiden Steel and Parker Steel, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Luvleen Pasricha and Kabir Pasricha, of Alexandria, VA. Steven was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Webster and Celia (Smith) Webster, of New Freedom, PA, his only sister Constance (Webster) Yohe, of Red Lion, PA and his middle daughter Jennifer (Webster) Saunders, of New Freedom, PA, whose recent loss was immeasurable. Steven’s life after his accident in 1992 was viewed by the family as an extra gift, and to be able to celebrate his 70th birthday, which he did just days before his passing, was such a celebrated milestone. He was just on the cusp of his golden years, his second retirement and enjoying long relaxing days with his wife and family. We will continue to honor him with deep gratitude as we carry his memory forward. A military funeral with full honors will be held for Steven at Arlington National Cemetery, a place he visited often and held in humble reverence, at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in Steven’s memory to the Combined Federal Campaign or to any military veterans’ support organization of your choosing.

Tributes

Steven Curtis Webster

October 22, 1954 - November 1, 2024