Stephen “Steve” Anthony Cartisano, of Durant, Okla., passed from this life, surrounded by his children, on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the age of 63. He was born on Monday, Aug. 15, 1955 in Modesto, Calif. to Anthony Cartisano and Bonnie Lou Coley.
Steve married Deborah Lee Carr in Provo, Utah on Dec. 15, 1978 and is the proud father of four children.
He served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1984 and was a part of the 129th ARRS, Aerospace Para Rescue (Recovery Unit). Steve was regarded as “one of the best-trained survivalists in the military.” Steve pioneered wilderness survival programs for troubled teens. In his last years, he treasured his role as a grandpa. He was active in the Choctaw Tribe and a faithful member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony Cartisano and Bonnie Lou Coley; adoptive parents Troy H. and Inez E (Akins) Harwell; in-laws Earl Enos “Buck” Jr. and Geneva Ann (Martin) Carr; sister Patti Campbell; and brother Kenneth Campbell.
Survivors include his daughters: Jennifer Cartisano Sparlin and husband Jason of Tishomingo, Okla., Catherine Cartisano and fiancé Ross Thelen of Salt Lake City, Utah; sons: David Cartisano of Fort Worth, Texas, and Daniel Cartisano of Tishomingo, Okla.; grandson Jack Sparlin of Tishomingo, Okla.; granddaughter Olivia Sparlin of Tishomingo, Okla.; mother of his children, Deborah Cartisano of Salt Lake City, Utah; brothers Marc Cartisano of Modesto, Calif. and Chris Cartisano of Modesto Calif.; half-siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family and beloved friends.
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 515 Sunnymeadow Drive in Durant. Family visitation and light meal will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at the church.
Bishop Roger Clawson will officiate. David Cartisano, Daniel Cartisano, Marc Cartisano, Chris Cartisano, Jason Sparlin, Greg Hatch, Ryan Cardoza, Steve Watson and Bradley Albers will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone (580) 916-9090
www.gordonfh.com.
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Kristen Chase