He received exceptional care and compassion at the Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice. Born August 13, 1949, he was the son of Eddie and Bernice Vester. Survived by his wife Frances Merritt Vester; children: Michael Merritt (Jill) of New Bern, NC, Renee Vester (David), and Stephanie V. Pericak, both of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren: Riley Merritt, Maggie Vester, Justin Warren, Tyler Warren, and Elizabeth Grace Pericak. Sister Becky Cox (Gary) of Raleigh, niece Ann Marie Cox and nephew Gary Cox, both of Raleigh, and Aunt Margie Davis of Roanoke Rapids.
Steve proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1970. He worked at JP Stevens as a supervisor and then began a long career with the Department of Corrections working at Odom, Nash, and Caledonia ending as a Training Coordinator. He retired with 29 years of service. Thank you to all his coworkers for the wonderful support given to Steve during his illness and for the many years of friendship. Thank you also to best friend Eddie who drove round trip from Florida just to say goodbye.
Steve loved his family and vacationing with them, swimming, cold Pepsi and a plate of crisp bacon, beach music and shag dancing, and going on golf trips to Myrtle Beach with his DOC coworkers.
To honor Steve’s memory, wear some lime green, bright orange, or hot pink, give a handshake, and help a friend or stranger in need. To his beloved family, we will keep laughing through the tears and keep creating more family memories.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 2 pm at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service, located at 1015 West 5th Street Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. The family will receive visitors after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930 Wellness Drive #B Greenville, NC 27834

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: wrennclarkehagan.com