Stephen Arthur Courtemanche

Stephen Arthur Courtemanche passed away on August 28, 2021 in Harrah, Oklahoma, at the age of 64. Stephen was born on February 15, 1957 in Plattsburgh, New York. He was the son of Leon Donald and Katherine Helen (Elderbaum) Courtemanche. Stephen grew up in a military family. He and his family moved all over the United States. He graduated from high school in Peru, New York, in 1975. Following high school, Stephen proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1977. While in the Air Force, he was a supply technician and was stationed at numerous bases, including Homestead AFB in Florida, Rome AFB, New York and Plattsburg AFB. He also served a tour in Germany and Sardia, Italy. He was eventually stationed with the 3rd Combat Communications Group, under the 34th Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base as a Ground Radio Communications Technician until his retirement in 1997. During his military service, Steve received many medals, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with five devices, the Air Force Training Ribbon, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and the Defense Service Medal. After retirement from the Air Force, Steve worked in the private sector before returning to Tinker Air Force Base as a civilian employee. Steve's last assignment was as an inventory management specialist for the inventory branch of the Department of Defense Logistics Agency. Steve was planning to retire later this year. Steve married the love of his life, Sherri Griffin on January 17, 1998. The couple made their home in Harrah, Oklahoma. In his free time, Steve was involved in many activities in the Harrah community. He coached AAU and little league basketball, he refereed for basketball through the Harrah Little League Association and he was the Cub Master for Scout Troop 65 in Harrah. Steve was a member of the Hillside Baptist Church. Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sherri Courtemanche; one daughter, Amanda Bolf; one son, Jess Hayhurst; sisters, Helen Courtemanche of Plattsburgh, NY, Patricia Graden and her husband Tom of Felton, DE; uncle and aunt, Buddy and Sandy Elderbaum of Lake Isabella, CA; he has many family members in New York and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.