Stephen Jerry McElheny

Stephen "Steve" Jerry McElheny, 81 years of age, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, while holding hands with his youngest daughter. At this time, he and his oldest daughter made amends. They said they loved each other, they were sorry, and they cried. Both were finally at peace.

Steve was born March 20, 1944, in Peru, Indiana to the late Eugene and Betty (Graham) McElheny and boy he loved his mom. He was the youngest of two boys. Steve married Sandra Elaine (Jackson) McElheny on January 31, 1984, and made a home with her and her five children in Peru, Indiana.

Steve enjoyed a long career with Norfolk Southern Railroad, starting while still in his teens. He served in various roles at the railroad, culminating in the position of Railroad Conductor. He was an avid baseball fan who loved to cheer for the Cubs, and he enjoyed coaching youth baseball, including for his stepson, Brady Saylor whom he depended on greatly for friendship and his help at the end. He was also passionate about working on cars and enjoyed maintaining and repairing his cars and those of family and friends. He was very generous with his time and enjoyed being with his large extended family, drinking coffee, telling jokes, and sharing stories. He was always quick to laugh and have fun, and he loved animals, especially his first shepherd, Boomer, several beagles over the years, Leaha a black Shepherd, and more recently, a few cats too(Scratch, Zeke, and Sissy).

Steve is survived by his wife, Sandra, and by his two daughters, Cassie McElheny (husband Robert Tarbox) of New Hampshire and Carrie Munroe (husband Chris Munroe) of North Carolina, with his infant daughter, Roberta, preceding him in death. He is also survived by four of Sandra's five children: Roger Carr, Jerry Carr, Janice Leslie, and Katina Christy, with Cycrus Christy preceding him in death. He is also survived by his older brother Michael McElheny and his wife Michiko who reside in Warner Robins, Georgia, as well as a favorite cousin, Cindy Gallahan of Mexico, Indiana. He had many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and is fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

At this time, there will NOT be any formal funeral services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.
He would want DONATIONS to be made at your local shelter or a rescue. A Celebration of Life get together is being planned for June at Brady Saylors. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.