H. Stephen “Steve” White

H. Stephen “Steve” White, 81, of Lumberton, Texas — formerly of New Lenox, Illinois — passed away on February 27, 2026, surrounded by family who loved him. He was born on December 26, 1944, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Vivian Hammett White and Ester Eugene “Bud” White and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.  Steve lived a life defined by generosity, laughter, and an open-hearted way of moving through the world.

Steve had a love for people. Whether in a grocery store line, a car lot, or the crowded stands of a sports event, he had a gift for making people feel welcome. He was the life of the party — the one who could turn an ordinary moment into a memory with a joke, a story, or a mischievous grin. Children especially gravitated toward him, and he loved nothing more than making them laugh.

Music was one of his greatest joys. Steve could sit at a piano and fill a room with energy, humor, and warmth. He entertained not for applause, but because it made people happy — and that was always his goal.

His passion for cars shaped both his career and his identity. Steve spent his life in the automotive world as a salesman and truck builder, and was known for his deep knowledge, his honesty, and the way he treated customers like friends.  He went above and beyond for every customer he worked with.

Family was the center of Steve’s world. He attended as many of his grandchildren’s sports events as he could, cheering loudly, proudly, and sometimes embarrassingly — exactly the way a grandfather should. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a grandfather whose presence made every milestone brighter.

Steve is survived by his wife, Elaine White; his children, Lori Hromadka (George), Stephen White (Jodi), Brian White (Sarah), and Michael White (Jessica); his stepchildren, Valerie Brocato (Jay), Mandy Schoenberg (Keith), and Daren Hignett (Jennifer); and his sister, Cece Widner (Bob).

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren – Victoria, Sasha, Brian, Hanna, Mackenzie, Daniel, Carson, Maxwell, and Jaxson – and his great-grandchildren Wesley and Arya, who brought him endless joy.  He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Travis, Chelsie, Macy, Paten, Samantha, Daylen and Brandon – and his step great-grandchildren Reagan, Beaux, Reese, Charlie, Forrest, Sheppard, Lincoln, Bristol, and Hadley, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his devoted first wife of 51 years, Mary Dianne White, with whom he built a life rooted in love, resilience, and family, and his great granddaughter Freya.

Steve will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his music, and the way he made every person feel like they mattered. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.

Cremation arrangements are handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.