Rexford G. Steptoe

Rexford Gilbert Steptoe, Jr. peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday January 18, 2005. He was born on May 20, 1929 in Washington, DC., the first born son of the late Rexford G. Steptoe, Sr. and Mayme Abramson Steptoe. His parents emphasized the value of learning and education to their children and the value of comporting themselves with dignity and resolve. He received his early education in the District of Columbia public schools. Rex served in the U.S. Army from March, 1951 through March, 1953. He was a member of the 646th Transportation Company. His tour of duty allowed him to serve in Germany, France and Spain. After honorably completing his military service, he furthered his education and began a long career in administrative and executive positions in many industries and locations, to include Texas Christian University, Texas Southern University, the Dallas County Community Action Agency, Emory University (Atlanta), Constant Care Community Health Center (Baltimore), Senior Financial Consultant at Kirschner Associates (D.C.), Senior Management Analyst at PRC in McLean, Va. Rex retired from Westinghouse in 1991 as a Senior Contracts Administrator. As a retiree, he enjoyed yard work, caring for the family pets and engaging his wife, family and friends in enthusiastic discussions of world affairs, politics and the local governments of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Rex had a biting wit, was a master of retort and had a style of conversing that drew people to him and made him a favorite in any discussion of substance. Rex's children loved and enjoyed their devoted father. As youngsters, they were never far from him. They became staples at his places of business, at fine restaurants and even at his neighborhood social clubs where he sat and socialized with his friends while they played nearby or listened quietly, while the adults conversed. As a parent, he was very protective of his children. He taught his daughters basics of good grooming and actively tended to his children's religious education, morals and manners. He actively ensured that they developed a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility and taught them how to conduct themselves in work and social environments. Rex shared with his children his love of football; especially the Washington Redskins, Jazz, Blues, and Classical music. He was an avid, skilled swimmer and passed the love of the sport to his children; especially to his only son, Phillip. Rex encouraged his children to set lofty goals and ensured that they were all well educated. He loved to engage them in lively discussions of politics, government and social affairs and he instilled in them the importance of independence self-sufficiency. He is survived by: his wife Jean Caldwell Steptoe; one son, Phillip Anthony Steptoe; three daughters, Carolyn Steptoe Israel (Troy), Julie Steptoe Lee, Esq. and Marsha Steptoe Culler (Leonard); grandchildren, Alphonso Augustus Lee, Amanda Gilbert Lee, August Julian Lee, John R. Plummer III, Loren M. Culler and Devin M. Culler; two sisters, Sonia S. Carroll and Shirley M. Steptoe; two late brothers, Francis Hogan Steptoe and Robert Deaton Steptoe; nephew, Thomas U. Carroll; and nieces, Angela Theresa Carroll and Tanya Carroll Brinson; many great-nephews; his mother-in-law, Dorothy E. Caldwell; and step-daughters, Karen D. Carter and Renee J. Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Rexford G. Steptoe

May 20, 1929 - January 18, 2005