Stephen C. Washam was born March 15, 1967 to Kenneth and Marjorie Washam in Springfield, Mo. He passed away in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, during the early morning hours on July 12, 2009, following a brief illness. Steve graduated from Parkview High School in 1985. Four years later he received a degree in finance from Southwest Missouri State University, graduating with honors. His many diverse interests dictated the next chapter of his life. A love of math took him to McDonald-Douglas, where he enjoyed a job as a contract negotiator on the AV-8B project working with overseas contracts. Always fascinated by entrepreneurship, he started his own college book store near the University of Missouri St. Louis. Later he decided to parlay his interest as a financial analyst with Station Casinos. It was here that he also found the love of his life, Cyndi. They were married on June 29, 1996 in Gatlinburg, Tenn. College books were in his blood, so Steve and Cyndi returned to Springfield to work with his family as General Manager at Student Book Exchange and Vice-President at Bookhaven, Inc. Over the past 14 years, he expanded the business line, created new sales outlets, and oversaw advertising. He was a natural leader who provided daily inspiration to his family of co-workers. Steve enjoyed work and being around his family. In addition, he was a travel nut and an avid sports fan (Go Cards!). He would often combine his interests taking holidays with family members; always loving to see new places and try new things. He was so proud when his son, Spencer Amos Washam, was born on October 25, 2004. He loved being with Spencer, especially letting him "help" at the family business. They planned many trips around Spencer's love of animals, including numerous outings to neighboring zoos, farms and animal sanctuaries. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Washam; and his sister, Nancy Washam Byers. He is survived by his wife, Cyndi Washam; and sons, Christopher Jackson and his wife, Andrea and their daughter Audree, Andrew (AJ) Jackson, and Spencer Washam; mother, Marjorie Washam; sister, Cathy Yates and her husband, Charles; brother, Gregory Washam and his companion, Robert Morales. He will be deeply missed by his niece, Stacey Thompson and her husband Wyatt; nephew, David Yates and his wife Stacey and their two children Jacob and Emylia; aunt, Virginia Sue and uncle Jim Harper; cousins, Susan Alligood and Deanna Hines; his best friend Troy Sumpter; all of his friends at Student Book Exchange; as well as his extended family and friends. Graveside services will be Friday, July 17 at 1 p.m. in Robberson Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been set up for Spencer.