Mr. Stephen Evan Gucker

Steven Evan Gucker, a dedicated public servant, nature enthusiast, and loving husband, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024. Born on November 30, 1946, in Houston, Texas, to Jacob and Doris Gucker, Steve led a life marked by service, adventure, faith, and an enduring love for the outdoors. Steve graduated from North Shore High School in Houston, TX in 1965. After graduation, Steve served for two years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. After his military service, Steve pursued higher education at the University of Houston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. During college, Steve worked for NASA where he was on call 24/7 in the microfiche room next to Mission Control to provide critical information for the Apollo 13 mission. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom along with the rest of the Apollo 13 team. After college, Steve entered a fulfilling career as an internal auditor for the State of Texas Health and Human Services and Workforce Commission, where he worked for 25 years as a resident of Austin, Texas. In 1993, Steve married the love of his life, Sara Wise. Their marriage of 31 years was a testament to their deep bond and shared passions. Together, they embarked on numerous adventures, with Steve's love for downhill skiing, RV life, and motorcycles often taking them to breathtaking locales. Steve's love for nature found expression in his role as a seasonal Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger. For 16 years, he served in Grand Lake, Estes Park, and Loveland, Colorado, where he found immense joy in protecting the natural beauty he so deeply cherished. Steve's home was always filled with loyalty and love from Sara and the beloved dogs and cats they bonded with over the years. His kindness and gentle spirit were evident in the way he nurtured his furry companions. Steve is preceded in death by his parents Jake and Doris Gucker and his infant nephew, Evan Jehu Gucker. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sara; his brother Wesley and wife Nettie; nephew Jacob and great-niece Pearl Rose Gucker; niece Tara Gucker; and brother Michael and wife Jan Gucker. His family and friends will forever remember him for his infectious laughter, gentleness, and the indelible mark he left upon their lives. A Celebration of Life service will be on June 7th at 2:00 pm at the Jackson Missionary Baptist Church at 11120 TX-7, Joaquin, Texas 75954. Lunch will be served at 1:00 pm prior to the service. Bring 1 memory of Steve to share with everyone, and *please* wear bright colors. The Service will be live-streamed on Sara's Facebook page. (Sara Steve Gucker) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 137, Gary, Texas 75643 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704. Hagerstown, MD 21741. An online guestbook can be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

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Mr. Stephen Evan Gucker

November 30, 1946 - May 25, 2024