Bruce Eldon Stedge, Sr., fondly called Curly, of Georgetown, Texas, was called home to his heavenly father on March 18, 2023 at the age of 92.  His family rejoices knowing that he rests in the arms of the Lord.

Bruce was born on February 1, 1931, in Hastings, Michigan; the only child of Don Stedge and Ilda Freeman.

Bruce graduated from Vermontville High School, where he was active in basketball and baseball.  Anyone knowing him can recall lots of stories about his favorite past times.  He was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame for his baseball accolades.  His uniform will hang in the museum in Vermontville, Michigan.

Bruce served honorably in the US Army for thirty years, retiring in 1978 as a CWO4.  During his service he received the bronze star and had tours of duty in Guam, Germany and Vietnam.  He made numerous friends during his years of service and continued many of those friendships.  After retirement from the military, he worked several years for the Trailways Charter Bus Company.

Throughout his life he owned several recreational vehicles and boats.  He had a passion for traveling and fishing.  He often traveled to Michigan to visit family and enjoyed fishing for salmon in Alaska.  He spent a significant amount of time fishing the Texas Coastal waters, living in Sargent, Texas for a period of time, and camping at the Padre Island National Seashore Park.  Other life interests included bowling, golfing, playing cribbage and many other card games.  Often on Sundays, after attending church, he would watch NASCAR, wishing he was in one of those cars.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Don Stedge and Ilda Freeman, former wife Naomi Clapper Newcomb,  wife Joanne Stedge, son Bruce Stedge, Jr., and son-in-law Daniel Seidel.

He is survived by daughter Sandra Seidel of San Angelo, TX, daughter Debra (Joe) VanBlaricom of Livingston, MT, daughter Linda (Stanley) Finch of San Marcos, TX, daughter Dinah (Terry) Woolard of College Station, TX, and Tammy (Thomas) Hardt of Salado, TX.  Bruce was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Bruce had too many loving friends to mention by name, and he was thankful for all the friendships.  In the most recent years of his life he was most grateful for his friendship with Ida Daehne.  The family is especially thankful for the care she provided toward the end of his life and for the care she now provides for his dog, Tinkerbell, who was always by his side.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Delaney Georgetown (Independent & Assisted Living).  Bruce made special friends there and was cared for exceptionally well.  The Visiting Angels (Georgetown) were invaluable, as they cared for him through his final nights.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on April 14, 2023 at Bruce's home church, Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, Texas, at eleven o'clock in the morning. The interment of ashes with military honors will take place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery following the service, attended only by family.