Stephen "Steve" Fletcher Gaither, born on February 16th, 1946 entered Heaven's gates to meet his Lord and Savior on December 23rd, 2019. He was born and raised in San Diego, California before moving to Missouri where he met the love of his life. Steve was a devoted, loving husband to his wife Joyce, a guiding hand and voice of wisdom to his son and daughters, but his favorite role was being 'Papa' to his grandchildren. Steve traveled extensively throughout the United States from Savannah, Georgia to the Grand Canyon to Palm Springs and many more places. He also traveled through parts of Europe and to Japan where he and his wife made lifelong friends. Of all the places he went, Maui was his favorite to visit and he was able to spend time there with family during his last summer. Early in life he worked hard as a student at SMS (now MSU), and used his knowledge gained there he climbed the ladder at 3M where he retired after 42 years as the Head of IT. Much of his life was spent doing things for and with others, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever. He never missed a grandparents day or recital at school, he was always quick to grab the check at dinner, he spent hours teaching his grandsons how trains work, he fixed jewelry for his granddaughters, he dogsat his "granddogs", he always listened to stories, told jokes to lighten the mood, and he always made sure his family was well taken care of and offered anything he could to help. Steve enjoyed doing things with his hands which included woodworking and playing the guitar. He was part of a group that got together to play instruments and sing for years. He enjoyed crosswords and card games and playing Mexican Train with his family. He lived to see one of his granddaughters marry, two of his grandchildren get engaged, one granddaughter receive her white coat for her doctorate program, and was instrumental in the upbringing of all his grandchildren. There is much more to Steve that can ever be put into words, but simply put and unarguably, the thing he did most and best, was loved. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his many relatives. He is remembered as a true family man, kind and gentle, who loved more than most and will forever be missed. Steve is preceded in death by his parents Gilbert Fletcher Gaither and Eleanor Vance Gaither, his sister Ann Gaither, his paternal grandparents John Gaither and Annie Gaither, maternal grandparents Harry Vance and Ella Mae Vance. He is survived by his wife Joyce, his son Scott Gaither, his daughters Karla Thrasher and husband Ken, Kimberly Laffoon and husband Tony, and Lindsey Gold, his grandchildren Chelsea Metcalf and fiancée Winn, Braden Metcalf and fiancée Baylee, Madison Thrasher, Savannah Thrasher-Smith and husband Brady, Haiden Gold, Daxtin Gold, and great granddaughter Viviana Metcalf, his siblings Mary Gaither and husband Steve Cohen, John Gaither and wife Terrie, Paul Gaither and wife Julie Nelson, special nieces and nephew Lori Gaither, Erin Ostola and husband John, and Jake Cohen, and wife Jess.