Steven Edward Wandling Sr.

Steven Edward Wandling Sr., 64, Gallipolis, passed away at 1:22 a.m. Thursday July 11, 2024, in the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia. Born November 17, 1959, in Gallipolis, Ohio, he was the son of Landis K. “Pat” Wandling, of Gallipolis, and the late Agnes Marie Edgar Wandling. Steven was a 1978 graduate of Gallia Academy High School and was a retired truck driver from P & A Enterprises. In addition to his father, he is survived by his two children, Brandi (Chris) Rathburn, of Gallipolis, and Stevie (Karlena) Wandling, of Middleport, Ohio, his grandchildren, Clay Plymale, Briar (Olivia) Williams, Brailee Rathburn, Braylan Rathburn, Morgan Wandling, Avary Wandling, Logan Wandling, and Harley Wandling and his great-grandchildren, Anavrin Williams, Ariott Williams, and Auddis Williams. He is also survived by his sister, Dianne (Jerry) Eustler, of Gallipolis, and a niece, Olivia Eustler, and a nephew Cole Eustler. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Landis K. Wandling Jr. Calling Hours will be 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday July 17, 2024, at the Cremeens-King Funeral Home with a brief service commencing at 6:00 p.m. There will be a private family interment.

Now, if Steven wrote it, it’d say…

Once upon a time I saw the landscape of the country by driving coast to coast on 18 wheels. Felt the rocks, mud, and thorns on the soles of my feet. I knew how to navigate a garage and the back trails of Addison. I enjoyed everything this life had to offer (except planes. Never planes.)

I listened to all the old school country music and watched every western Old Rooster Cogburn ever appeared in. I played football in a royal blue #84 jersey. I played volleyball in cutoff jean shorts. I had a mullet of curls before they were cool. I never knew a stranger. Not one. Ever. I slapped people on the back for no good reason when I’d say “hey, whatcha been up to?” I drove some beautiful trucks and some absolute clunkers. I liked the tires to be high enough to get through the 4th of July hole. And…those jamborees couldn’t get enough of me and my friends. Yep - back then…I never met a good time that I didn’t want to be a part of.

And then, I didn’t. I stopped. The world stopped for several years. Then one day, it started spinning again. I’ve smiled a lot recently and had been enjoying the things I used to. A little slower maybe. It was good. Until it wasn’t On July 11, 2024…I called it quits.

I was Bran and Stevie’s Dad.

I also have been able to hang out with my 8 grandkids and 3 great-grandkids. How was I to know they’d multiply like that. I can’t keep track, so I called them all by nicknames. I miss them most. They’ll never know how much I wanted to keep loving them. I hope they saw it in my eyes every time they crinkled up into a skoal speckled smile.

And…even if they didn’t say it often, I know they loved me too. They showed me. Through the beginning, the middle, and the end.

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