Steven Larry Bland

Steven “Steve” Larry Bland was born on April 14, 1950, in Quanah, Texas, to Pat and Wanda Bland. He grew up with his older sister, Paula, in a close-knit family whose love and traditions shaped the man he would become.

Some of Steve’s happiest memories were made in Chillicothe, Texas, with his grandparents, Henry and Myrtle Brock. He loved telling stories of riding through town with his grandfather in an old red Chevrolet truck, delivering blocks of ice to local businesses before refrigeration became common. Those mornings always began before dawn with Henry’s homemade biscuits and gravy—a breakfast Steve loved for the rest of his life.

Steve attended Quanah Elementary before moving to Amarillo, where he graduated from Tascosa High School. Football quickly became one of his passions. As an offensive lineman wearing number 68 for the Tascosa Rebs, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates and was honored with an invitation to play in the Greenbelt Bowl.

After graduation, Steve accepted a football scholarship to West Texas A&M University before answering another calling—serving his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga during the Vietnam era. His service allowed him to travel throughout the Mediterranean, creating memories he cherished throughout his life. It also came with sacrifice, as he lost the vision in his left eye while serving. Even so, Steve remained deeply proud of his military service and never complained.

Following the Navy, Steve built a career defined by hard work, integrity, and dedication. He spent 31 years with Mrs Baird’s Bakeries, advancing from route salesman in Amarillo to Sales Manager in Houston, before concluding his career with 11 successful years at Mission Foods.

On June 6, 1981, Steve married Daphnia Fry. Together they shared 45 wonderful years, building a home rooted in faith, strengthened by love, filled with laughter, and devoted to raising Quentin, Amber, and Cody.

Although Steve and Daphnia were very different in personality—Steve quiet and steady, Daphnia outgoing and never meeting a stranger—they shared the same values, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to one another. Steve was Daphnia’s greatest encourager, celebrating every accomplishment while never seeking recognition for himself.

Family was Steve’s greatest joy. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather of Dakota, Macy, Brendan, Ashlyn, Mya, Christian, and Callen, and great-grandfather of Wiley David. His gentle spirit, quiet strength, quick wit, and willingness to help others made everyone around him feel valued and loved.

During Steve’s final journey, the love of their Aldersgate Church family carried Steve and Daphnia through the hardest days of their lives. Through prayers, visits, meals, cards, and countless acts of kindness, they became the hands and feet of Christ.

The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to Richie Gowens, Erica Gowens, Stefanie Drennan, Kassi Cloe, Myra Jordan, Steve and Gaylene Taylor, and David and Michelle Dominguez. Your faithful friendship and steadfast love became one of God’s greatest gifts during Steve’s final chapter.

Steve’s legacy will live on in the love he gave his family, the integrity with which he lived, the kindness he showed to others, and the quiet faith that guided his life.

Steve's family rejoices that his faith has become sight. All his life, Steve trusted Jesus by faith. Today, he is with the Savior he loved and believed in, seeing Him face to face and experiencing the joy of God's promises fulfilled.

Floral arrangements are locally available with His & Hers Salon Flowers Gifts  Spur, Texas (806) 271-3437