Michael Steeves

Michael Francis Steeves, 78, of Swink, died peacefully in Colorado Springs, CO, on December 15, 2023, surrounded by his family. Mike was born in 1945, to MacKenzie and Helen (Urbanski) Steeves in Morehead City, North Carolina.

In 1969, Mike departed for Vietnam to serve his country as a member of the United States Airforce. This was the first of five Far East tours in which he was involved in COMBAT SKYSPOT operations. When stationed in Thailand, he met Suvanid, his first wife. Mike and Sue eventually moved to La Junta when they were stationed at the radar facility at the Industrial Park. During that time, Mike served as a reserve officer with the La Junta Police Department. After retiring from the Air Force, he decided to serve full time as an officer. He would serve 18 years. Upon retiring from police work, Mike became the IT Systems Manager for the City of La Junta. He met his second wife Lisa while in this role. They were married 17 years.

Mike was dedicated to police work and taught academic and firearms training courses in the Reserves Academy and at the Otero Junior College Law Enforcement Academy. Two weeks before his passing, he had just completed instructing a firearms class.

Mike had a lifelong love of learning and was an avid reader. He had a bachelor's degree in business. He was well informed on politics and the law. One of his favorite past times was writing about local and national politics. He wrote posts on Facebook regarding his many interests, which included, but were not limited to, religion, the military, history, traveling, camping, off roading, bicycling, baking, smoking meat, photography, birds, gardening, his Casita and his vehicles. He also posted about his family and was very proud of his grandchildren, great grandchildren and stepsons. Mike was a natural teacher and taught his grandchildren and stepsons about cooking, home maintenance and vehicle repair. He had a dark and delightful sense of humor and loved to tell tall tales.

Mike is survived by his wife Lisa Steeves of Swink, daughters Kittima Begier and Duongladee (Gilbert) Leyba; stepsons Andrew (Roberto Dorrance) Gossman, Jonathan (Ashley) Gossman, and Stephen Gossman; grandchildren Anthony, Aaron, Adam and AnDee Begier; Michael (Jordan) Lee, Lauren (Mason) Davis; Elena Ramsay and Ethan Leyba; great grandchildren Mayah Vargas, Ava, Eden and Josiah Gossman; and sister Susie (Louie) Piner. He was proceeded in death by spouse Suvanid Steeves, his parents and brother Tommy Steeves.

There will be no services. Donations can be made to the Otero Junior College Law Enforcement Academy.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.