Stephen Yancey

Stephen (Steve) Lee Yancey, 77, of Newburgh, passed away at home on Monday, September 29. His wife, Madonna, and faithful dog, Buddy, were by his side.

Steve was born on March 28, 1948, in Linton, Indiana, to Leon and Naomi (Carpenter) Yancey, and grew up in Worthington, Indiana. He graduated from Worthington Jefferson High School, and attended Purdue University and Indiana University, where he studied engineering and business administration.

On a May evening in 1985, Steve attended a women’s softball practice with a friend whose wife was on the team. That’s where he met Madonna. That same evening, he asked her out on a date, she said “yes,” and they married the following November. 

Steve had an entrepreneurial spirit. On their first date, he told Madonna that someday, he wanted to own the company he worked for. In 2004, that dream became a reality as he became the owner of King Mechanical Specialty. After almost 20 years, he sold the company to a long-time employee and retired.

Steve was a man of many interests. He enjoyed attending Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, theatrical productions, and concerts with his wife. He was also an avid reader.

He loved sports, both as a participant and viewer. He played baseball and basketball in high school. He loved to ski, then took up snowboarding in his fifties. He enjoyed playing racquetball until his joints suggested that pickleball might be a better choice. He jumped out of a plane (once) and then learned to fly one. For several Memorial Day weekends, he organized a group of friends for sailing trips on Kentucky Lake, where he served as Captain to the motley crew of the S.S. Bag O’ Wine. He was a Colts fan by geography and a Saints fan by marriage. He and Madonna also enjoyed cheering together for the Purdue Boilermakers, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Fever during basketball seasons.

Steve and Madonna enjoyed traveling. Their travels took them to Italy, to Chile, and to England and France multiple times. They also loved traveling in their RV, with trips to New Orleans for Thanksgivings and weddings with Madonna’s family; west to Colorado, Utah, and Nevada; and many short get-aways with friends to Rend Lake.

Steve often said that he felt very grateful for the life he had.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Madonna; sisters Connie Norris (Ken) of Worthington, Indiana, and Sharon McKinley of Bloomfield, Indiana; nephew Ken Norris (Lori) of Aurora, Colorado; nieces Cheri McKinley of Bloomfield, Indiana, and Lita McKinley of Linton, Indiana; sister-in-law Lara Schapker (Rick) of Evansville, Indiana; and great nieces, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews.

Steve’s family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their kindness and care during Steve’s last month.

Per Steve’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where Steve hopes his family and friends will gather to share stories and photos, as well as a champagne toast or two.

In Steve’s memory, contributions may be made to the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, 20 NW 3rd Street, #500, Evansville, IN 47708 or Warrick Parks Foundation, PO Box 224, Newburgh, IN 47630.