Steven Kent Bugher, 72, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on March 13, 2024.

Steve was born in Kokomo on Nov. 10, 1951, to the late Paul and Phyllis (Ward) Bugher. On July 23, 1976, he married Kay (Donahue) Bugher.

As a young man, Steve served in the Army before working at Cuneo Press, Miller's Steel and Chrysler. He was a truck driver for Harold Collins and Keith Sterns before starting his last job at Milbank Manufacturing. He was the first one in the parking lot in the morning, drinking a thermos of coffee and chatting with everyone before starting his day. Known as Sparky, Steve spent 28 years there before they closed their doors. He was also a WT2 and DSS water operator for Deer Creek Estates Home Water Corporation for over 21 years.

Steve grew up on the north end of Kokomo, where he was a friend and mechanic to many. His friends knew they could count on him for a story, laugh and cup of coffee. Steve was often found in his garage with a pot of coffee on the wood burning stove. He enjoyed working on cars — one year flipping over 100 vehicles. His skills led him to be the race car mechanic for his friend, Thurman Wines.

Besides working on cars, Steve loved fishing. He spent time at Oscar's Pit, the Kokomo Reservoir and Spring Hill Campground, where he also spent time camping. He caught catfish with his wife's special catfish bait recipe. The weight of the fish in his stories grew and grew, but his family will be left with the memory of "Charlie" — the 40-pound catfish he actually caught. Steve taught his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews how to fish, and loved collecting fishing poles.

Steve loved his community. He watched the We Care telethon and visited We Care Park and the Greentown Fair every year. He loved rummaging. He played harmonica, sang and danced to entertain his family. He learned how to garden from his grandma, dad and father-in-law, and passed his masterful skills down to his kids and grandkids, who he loved above all else.

He adored his grandkids — taking them on rides at Indiana Beach, teaching them to play horseshoes and tell stories, riding around with them on the mower and whatever other yard toy he found and taking care of pets like his beloved Rottweiler, Baby Girl.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Martha (and Mike) Warner and Kent Bugher Jr.; grandkids, Coy, Dru, Mae and Wyatt Brandon and Sheyanne Phillips; and sisters, Shirley Bugher, Myra and Brenda Wilson.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Paul and Phyllis Bugher; and his sisters, Pam Bugher, Charlena Kitts and Tina Watterson.

Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 17, 2024, at Eller's Mortuary, located at 725 S. Main St., Kokomo, IN 46901, with funeral service following immediately. His daughter, Martha, will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Kokomo Humane Society or We Care.