Mr. Everett Steve Marling, of Pendleton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on the late morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born on April 7, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois, Steve was the son of the late Arnold Marling and Ethel Foster Baker. Following his family’s move to Indianapolis, he graduated from Pike High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Steve proudly served his country in the U.S Army, in the Vietnam era, and Indiana Air National Guard at the rank of Warrant Officer. During his military service, he piloted helicopters, a responsibility he carried with great pride and dedication.

A lifelong steward of the natural world, Steve devoted nearly 35 years of service to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a forester. His passion for conservation and the outdoors shaped both his career and his personal life. He retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of care for Indiana’s forests and natural resources.

Steve was a true outdoorsman whose adventures took him across some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes. He especially enjoyed hiking and backpacking in places such as Mount Rainier, Alaska, and the Great Smoky Mountains. He also found great joy in camping, cycling, kayaking, and canoeing. Whether exploring a mountain trail or paddling a quiet stream, Steve felt most at home in nature.

Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, his ability to fix almost anything while tinkering in his garage, and his occasional enjoyment of a well-earned afternoon nap. Above all, Steve was a devoted family man who cherished every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his children, Cara Taylor, Mark (Christine) Thacker, and Janelle Kiefer; his beloved grandchildren, Abbey, Oriana, Chelsea, Seth, Noah, Lia, Kelsey, Kenzie, Scarlett, Ellington, Brady, and Izzy; his great-grandson, Bodhi; his sister, Andrea Fears; and his nieces, Monique and Kimdra.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Thomerson Marling; his great-grandson, Henry; brother-in-law, Ed Fears; son-in-law, John Taylor; and his nephew, Grant.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home where Military Honors will be rendered by a contingent of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the hour of service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Steve’s love for the outdoors, dedication to his country, and unwavering devotion to his family will be remembered and treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family has suggested those be offered to the Alzheimer’s Association.