Steven Curtis Kiser

Thursday October, 12th we celebrate the life of Steven Curtis Kiser - loving grandfather and The Very Best Father, loyal friend, dedicated partner, a cowboy, son of a son of a sailor, gambling man, an American Patriot and a good man. Born in Lakeland, Steve's life began not far from where it ended. He stuck to Polk County, FL for most of his life, excluding his grand hitchhiking adventure with his best friend, Eugene Merrill to California. He forged many important relationships and friendships that would last the rest of his life at Tigertown where he'd play ball with his younger brother and childhood friends. Those were his most carefree days and he wishes for his ashes to be scattered there on the four diamonds where they used to play. He would do almost anything for his friends and absolutely everything for his family. Was always willing to give a friend a ride when needed, at any hour. And would call at any hour just to say hey and that he saw something that made him think of you. He completely loved his children and did his very best to protect them, pass his values on, and make them know they are loved. He would spend his last dime on his children, and has at times. He once spent the last of his paycheck on his daughter for a new pair of glasses. Likewise with his grandchildren, when he felt weak and sick, he hid his fatigue and pain and pushed through hitting baseballs with his grandchildren. Aptly nicknamed 'Superman', he hated to feel or be seen as weak and until the very end, could force himself through anything to remain active with his family, even misleading doctors to believe he wasn't as sick as he was. Unfortunately he was extremely ill. Steve lived life to the fullest. In his time he's traveled the country - a few times. Ran Hawkeye Printshop, sold rare sports-memorabilia, raised 3 children as well as many dogs and cats, hit a home-run off Denny McClane, shook Eric Clapton's hand, loved his family with all his soul, bravely fought cancer, and died as much loved as any man will ever be. He is already missed. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 pm at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL.

Steven Curtis Kiser

August 27, 1952 - October 6, 2017