Msgt. Willard Stephen "Steve" Elliott, U.S. Army (retired), 90, of Wever, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 24, 1936, to James Wesley and Leona Elliott in Curryville, Missouri. Steve joined the Army at the age of 17 in 1953. He retired from the Army in 1975 after spending much of his service in the Green Berets at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Steve served two tours in Vietnam, serving with the 1st, 5th, and 7th Special Forces, as well as being in the Delta Project.
Following his retirement from the Army, Steve started a second career in the cable construction business with U.S. West.
While in the service, Steve married Mary A. Smith of Burlington, Iowa, on August 4, 1957. Together they had three daughters: April, Janice, and Debra.
Steve enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, jelly making, mushroom hunting, gardening, rattle snake hunting in Sweetwater, Texas, with his brothers and hunting. He was self-taught in woodworking. Most of all, Steve loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Mary of almost 70 years; three daughters: April (Michael) Rose of Covington, Va, Janice Murphy-Ellison of Burlington, and Debra Walsh of Wever, IA; four grandchildren: Justin (Kimberly) Walsh of West Salem, WI, Jamie Murphy of Burlington, Jennifer (Daniel) Anderson of West Salem, WI and Jared (Elsa) Murphy of Paris, France; four great grandchildren: Olivia, Joseph, Jace and Gracie. He is also survived by a brother, Monroe (Sylvia) Elliott of Louisiana, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers: Buck, Jim, Ray, Porter, and Clyde Elliott.
The funeral for Steve will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Lunning Chapel with Mike Reese officiating. The visitation for Steve will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Lunning Chapel, where the family will meet with friends.
Burial will be held in Parsons Cemetery in Oakville, Iowa, where military rites will be conducted.