Stephen E. Saum

Stephen Earl Saum passed over into the arms of Jesus at 7:00 AM on August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeannie and their children: Sarah Saum (Ben Dickerson); Nathan Saum and wife Kaitlin; Rebekah Saum; Rada Lehmer and husband Matt; and grandchildren Naomi and Madison Molyneaux; and bonus grandchildren Cole and MaeLynn Timmons. He is survived by his mother Mary Murphy Saum; brothers David, Mike and Ray Saum and sister Debbie Clark and husband Kelly. Many nieces and nephews and Jeannie's family, the La Pierres of Kansas, will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Ray Saum and brother Bob Saum.

Steve worked for the post office for 30 years. He will be remembered with a grin by former colleagues for his hilarious jokes, stunts and pranks. In his retirement he had lots of time to enjoy his family and his favorite pastimes, hunting and fishing. He took up beekeeping in those years, mentored many new beekeepers and captured many bee swarms. Steve belonged to the Ohio State Beekeepers Association. He was a founding member of the Fairfield County Beekeepers Association and BEEpothecary - a small business that hand-crafts and sells bee products for health. He and Jeannie traveled around Ohio and beyond, teaching beekeepers and the public about the health benefits of bee hive resources.

Steve was a believer in Jesus as his Savior, a fervent prayer warrior, and a member of home-church, Ekklesia. He was a faithful student of the Bible, often listening to online teachings while he hunted and fished. His transparency and willingness to share his own experiences, strength and hope helped many believe and choose a better future for themselves. He was steadfast in his pursuit to be a better husband, father and person each day, counting on the mercy and grace of his Savior. Steve continuously modeled offering this same grace and a helping hand instead of judgment to all those who needed another chance (or many).

Steve was a funny, funny man. He kept us in stitches with his pranks, jokes and one-liners. Steve had a funny (and sometimes a bit off-color) wit - always a cut-up making people laugh. His children each have special memories of doing special things with their Dad: deer hunting, mushroom hunting, fishing, enjoying music, watching storms, and chasing sunsets.

Steve became a loving caregiver to his wife, Jeannie, after failed back surgeries left her with chronic pain and mobility struggles. He cooked, cleaned, did laundry, grocery shopped, ran errands and mowed the lawn. He brought coffee and breakfast to Jeannie in bed every morning for 8 years until his health prevented it; a final testament to his servant’s heart that he displayed throughout his entire life.

Steve will be remembered by all for what he called his "Jesus Journey", his faithful friendships, and his sense of humor. We rejoice in knowing that Steve is with Jesus.

We will celebrate Steve's life at McGill Park in the Peggy Woods Pavilion on

Thursday, Aug. 7th. The service will start at 6pm.

There are picnic tables provided, but if you have a camp chair please bring it.

Address: 6725 Lithopolis-Winchester Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110. All friends and family are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s memory to:

• National Park Foundation
• National Church Residences Hospice and Palliative Care, Central Ohio National Church Residences

(a registered nonprofit)