Steven Clarke Ludlow

It was a dark and stormy night in Rogers, Ark., when Steven Clarke Ludlow, 67, died, in bed at home, surrounded by women who loved him. Life chapters begin in Toledo, Ohio, born on June 5, 1949, to Dean Ludlow a WWII Navy Air Rescue Navigator and Dorothy Spranger Ludlow, RN, and English Feminist Historian. Steve was the middle child, between Sister Lin and Brother Bill. Cute Cousin Denise Spranger was usually found with this gang. Toledo Chapter (42 years): Here's what happened… Steve graduated Rogers High School and University of Toledo. In his youth, he golf caddied, participated in Pershing Rifles and later joined Students for a Democratic Society. In college, he met and fell in love with the girl with the most beautiful eyes, Mary Elizabeth Palmer. Together they made talented, strong good looking children, Peter Steven, an actor, chef and restauranteur, and Jennifer Ruth, a fiber artist, sculptor, adjunct professor, and kitchen designer now living in Hawaii. In his work life, chiefly he worked at The DeVilbiss Company, in Toledo, Ohio, starting out on the factory floor, moving into accounting, marketing, national sales, and ultimately general manager for the Automotive Aftermarket Refinishing Division. He did all of this while getting his MBA and working second jobs as stevedore, cement worker, pizza delivery and bingo caller. Throughout all, he gathered friends who became as loving and steadfast as brothers and sisters. Next Chapter: Married his best friend Donna Grant. He said they made a great team. He gained another strong, talented good looking stepdaughter, Julie Wahl, and entire Grant clan. The newlyweds moved to Santa Clara, Calif. Steve initially worked for an amazing friend, followed by a series of other professions. The main benefit was traveling the USA, England, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Batter Up! Steve enjoyed any kind of baseball and his team was the San Francisco Giants. He also loved coaching his daughter, Jennifer's softball team. Travel adventuring was his passion. He apprenticed as a blacksmith, learned scuba diving, sailed lakes, traveled Route 66 three times, played blackjack and poker, cruised Alaska, and took day trips just to get lost. Welcome to Arkansas! Donna's mom, her husband, and brother, John Grant, World Class Walmart Greeter, lived in Rogers, Ark. Steve and Donna travelled to Rogers yearly. They fell in love with the area and John's Walmart gang, who embraced them with open arms. They made more family friends while they lived at the Greens at Blossom Way. Last fall, they purchased their dream home in Rogers, and were enthusiastic about the life they would enjoy there. Sadly, Steve suffered a consistent series of illnesses, but even through this he made dear friends. Steve suffered a devastating loss of his son, Peter, in 2000, and his father when Steve was 16. He explored many faiths. He was always ready to help his family and friends. Ultimately, he believed God works through how we treat and love each other in our life on earth. Afterlife is an awesome mystery and will take care of itself. A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 1 p.m. in Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. Please wear Hawaiian or baseball theme clothing. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.