Donald Philip Steadman's journey ended on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at his home in Bedico, LA at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. Don was born on Saturday, May 28, 1949 to Ernest Henry and Aurora Beals Steadman and lived in New Orleans until the age of 9.
Graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School, Ponchatoula, LA 1963, graduated from St. Paul School, Covington, LA 1967, graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University 1974, took Continue Education classes at LSU.
He was a member of the Ponchatoula Jaycees, JCI International Senator #41787, Jaycees Double Exhausted Rooster, 1st President of Bedico Jaycees, Hammond Kiwanis Club, Hammond Lions Club, St. Patrick's Krewe of Erin, Mardi Gras Krewe of Pericles, Republic of West Florida Division Ancient Order of Hibernians.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4-10 Flotilla Commander, Baton Rouge, LA, held the titles of Search & Rescue Specialist, Communication Specialist, Vessel Examination Specialist, title of Coast Gaurd Auxiliary Instructor for 16 years, received the U.S. Coast Gaurd Citation Award Operational Merit in assisting a rescue in saving two non-wearing PFD twelve year old boys in open water, and through the Coast Guard Auxiliary a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security in that region.
He was employed with Martin Marietta Aerospace and was on the Systems Refinement Teams, member of Society Safety Engineers, and a Sr. Society Manufacturing Engineers.
He retired from The Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish with 25 years, member of Louisiana Association of Self Insure Employer, Certified Workers Comp Professional 16 years, Louisiana Recreation and Park Association, Certified Playground Inspector through the National Park and Recreation Institute, Certified CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, Louisiana Public Risk and Insurance Management Association, National Safety Council of Defensive Driving Instructor, Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard 1991-2002.
Surviving is his wife of 39 years, Louise Beckendorf Steadman; son and wife, Sean and Courtney Mellies Steadman of Bedico; son and wife, Darryl and Barbara Jochum Lessard; grandson and wife, Brandon and Caitlin Croop Lessard of Denham Springs; and grandson, Kole Lessard. Also surviving are his siblings and their spouses, Marie and Timmy Ragan of Ponchatoula, Aurora and Greg Jones of Ohio, Richard and Tanya Steadman of Pine, LA, Glenn Steadman of Bedico, Carla and Charlie VanVrancken of Ponchatoula, Chris and Anita Steadman of Mandeville, Sylvia and Gene Gregorchik of Madisonville; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Don is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ernest Andrew and Clara Klein Steadman; parents, Ernest Henry and Aurora Beals Steadman; brothers, Ernest Richard Steadman and Michael J. Steadman; and nephew, Jason K. Steadman.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, September 7, 2018, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home 2000 N Morrison Blvd. Hammond, LA. Visitation will resume on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, LA from 8:00 am until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow in Cooper Cemetery, Robert, LA.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Don’s name to the Knights of Columbus, Ponchatoula, LA, St. Vincent dePaul, Ponchatoula, LA, Restoration House, Hammond, LA, and the Lion’s Club, Ponchatoula, LA.
To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com.
