Stephen Lee McGinnis, affectionately known as Papaw Ponytail and Steve, passed away March 22, 2024 at his home in Socorro New Mexico. He was born to Samuel LeRoy McGinnis and Hildreth Wells McGinnis July 19, 1946 in Zanesville Ohio.

While living in Zanesville, Steve enjoyed playing baseball and he was a champion marble player. He was an avid baseball and basketball fan.

Steve worked in the grocery business and construction industry until his retirement. During his retirement he was an accomplished woodworker and relished spending time in his shop restoring antique furniture. He could fix anything. As a devoted and doting Papaw Ponytail to David, Emilee and Drew, taking his grandchildren on road trips was one of the highlights of his life. His great-granddaughter, Olivia, was the apple of his eye.

Steve lived life on his own terms, accepting people for who they were without judgment. He was known for his witty sense of humor and sharing a good story.

Steve leaves behind his life partner and wife of 40 years, Helen Schledewitz-McGinnis; son, Scott (Amy) Lowe; daughter-in-law, Lori Stapelton-Lowe; brothers, Jim and John (Helen) McGinnis; sister, Susan McGinnis; sister-in-law, Gail McGinnis; brother-in-law. James (Nettie) Smith; granddaughter, Emilee (Daniel) Schwendemen; grandson, Drew Lowe; niece, Roxy (Rick) Fisher; nephew, Suranga Hettiarachchi; great- granddaughter, Olivia Schwendemen; god-granddaughter, Ellie Porter; and several extended family members and friends in Colorado, Ohio, and New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his mother & father; brother, Don McGinnis; sister-in-law, Pat McGinnis; grandson, David Lowe; and nephew, Shawn McGinnis.

Please join Steve’s family for a celebration of his life on April 6, 2024 from 11:00-2:00 at the Knights Of Columbus Hall, Socorro NM. Steve’s life will be celebrated in Colorado and Ohio at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

 

El Defensor Chieftain