Steven Blum

Steven Ray Blum, 64, of Claremore, OK passed from this life on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Steve was born August 30, 1957 to Bob Blum and Carolyn (Keithley) Blum and grew up in Nowata, OK, graduating from Nowata High School in 1975. He continued his education at Oklahoma University studying architecture, graduated from Oklahoma State Tech with a drafting and design degree, and after a time in the Army, ultimately graduating from NEO A&M obtaining his Registered Nursing degree in 1991. Steve loved being a nurse. His kind and caring nature made his patients appreciate him even more. After his nursing career, Steve worked in custodial services until he retired in 2019.

Steve proudly served in the Army from July 1986 through February 1989. He was stationed out of Fort Ord, California and served a tour in Panama where he had jungle training, followed by a tour in Honduras. His time in the Army came to an end due to a medical discharge. Steve later became a proud member of the Nowata American Legion.

“Family” was very important to Steve. He loved family gatherings and getting together with his friends. He always had a special relationship with his parents including taking his dad “Bob” to Nowata High School football games or watching sporting events with him at his home. Steve was passionate about sports including playing golf every opportunity he got, fishing, and watching OU football and St Louis Cardinals baseball. Steve’s care for others was great. He demonstrated that by being an organ and tissue donor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding Steve in death were his grandparents Frank and Roselyne Blum, Earl Keithly and Juanita Gibson; his parents Carolyn (Keithley) Blum and Robert (Bob) Eugene Blum; his wife Kathy (Blanke) Blum (2006); and son Keith Andrew Blum (1998).

Survivors include his wife Lily Blum; sons Ryan Blum of Nowata, OK and Brian Blum of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brothers Mark Blum of Tulsa, OK and Phil and wife Gayle Blum of San Antonio, TX; and sister Janet Foster of Wichita, KS. Steve’s wife Lily brought four sons into the marriage, her five grandchildren, and her mother Helen Leaverton. Steve remained friends with his ex-wife Janet Adams, Ryan’s mother. Steve is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation and rosary services for Steve are at 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 26th at Benjamin’s Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, January 27th at St Catherine’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata, Oklahoma. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or on the Benjamin Facebook page.