KENNETH D. STEEDMAN, 1938-2014

Kenneth D. Steedman, 1938-2014: Oregon policeman retired, delivered flowers

8/25/2014

Kenneth D. Steedman, Sr., a retired police officer for the city of Oregon who delivered arrangements for florists in retirement, died Wednesday in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg Township. He was 76 and lived in Oregon.

Darlene Steedman, his wife of 46 years, said he had heart problems for 24 years and was diagnosed with lung cancer in February.

After law enforcement training at Ross Enright Academy, Mr. Steedman joined the Oregon police department in 1966.

He was a patrolman until 1979 when he was promoted to detective.

Jeff Steedman said his father didn’t bring work home with him and rarely discussed investigations and cases. Nevertheless, he was an inspiration for his sons’ careers as first responders.

Mr. Steedman, who is a deputy with the Lucas County Sheriff’‍s Office, said his father influenced him and his brothers, Tim Steedman, a Toledo police officer, and Chuck Steedman, assistant fire chief for Wood County’s Middleton Township, to become public servants.

“I followed his footsteps. I learned law enforcement from my dad,” he said.

“If I had a problem or question while I was working, I didn’t call my sergeant. I called my dad and got his advice.”

While on the Oregon police force, Mr. Steedman worked after-hours security for bingo at Cardinal Stritch High School and Oregon Auditorium.

He retired from the department in 1990 and then was employed as a deliveryman for several florists, including Beth Allen’s Florist on Starr Avenue.

He was born on May 14, 1938, to Irene and James Steedman. He attended Waite High School and served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. He married the former Darlene Meilink on Nov. 30, 1967.

Surviving are his wife, Darlene; sons, Tim, Chuck, Randy, Jeff, and Kenny, Jr., Steedman; daughters, Debbie Raike and Denise Hoover; brothers, Jim and Arnie Steedman, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 2 to 8 p.m. today in Freck Funeral Chapel, Oregon, where a military service will be at 6 p.m. followed by the Final Call service. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Contact Mark Reiter at: markreiter@theblade.com or 419-724-6199.