Mr. Steven Gary Readye

Reflections of a Life Well-Lived

Steven Gary Readye, a/k/a “Professor,” “Duck,” and “Uncle Scary,” passed away at home in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, August 26, 2023.  Gary was the second oldest son born to the union of Margo and Rosemarie Readye in St. Louis, Missouri on May 11, 1954.

Gary graduated Cole Elementary School in St. Louis in 1970 and remained lifelong friends with his classmates.  He attended Vashon High School and entered the U.S. Army in 1972.  He met and married his first wife, Lily shortly after leaving the service.  He subsequently married his wife, Joyce and his last wife, Aline.

He retired from the St. Louis City Workhouse Correctional Facility as a Lieutenant in the late 1990s and was employed throughout the years until his retirement in 2019.  While working through the years, he performed handyman projects throughout the neighborhood for family, friends and neighbors.

Gary was active in the West Belle Community Organization for the past 20 years.  He attended the meetings and helped plan events such as the National Neighbors Night Out along Delmar Boulevard.  He could be relied upon to transport materials and do hands on work such as alley and street cleanups and flower planting projects, including the Hodiamont Tracks Greenway Project.  He never said no or was unavailable.

He was a major committee member for the two-year written revision of the North Central Plan which is the City of St. Louis’ approved multiyear neighborhood development plan for the Vandeventer and Covenant Blue Grand Center communities.  He helped write grants and contributed his thoughts and ideas freely.  As a longtime resident born and raised in the family home his opinions were invaluable.

Until his passing, he remained an active and dedicated neighbor in the Vandeventer Community Development Corporation.  His experience and guidance will be greatly missed and he will always be remembered by everyone who worked along with him for the betterment and beautification of our neighborhood.  May He Rest in Peace and his memory be a blessing.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Mimi Readye, Margo Readye, Robin Readye, Sybil (Carl) Boyd, Jason Readye, and Walter (Alice) Readye; Aunt/Sister Sandra (Nathaniel) Davis; Nieces, Lisa (Byron) Johnson, and Sade Jenkins; Nephews Patrick Readye, Kellerman Lagrone, Larry Bradley, Darnell Davis, Nathaniel Davis, and Derrick Davis.  He will also be missed by lifelong friends, Kevin Ray, Timothy Ray, Tommisena Ray,  Ralph Harvey and Medina Beaton.   Special thanks to dear friends, Catherine (Cathy) Knights and Ralph Harvey for your heartfelt help in recognizing Gary’s achievements in the community and your help during our time of loss.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his younger brothers, Todd and Dimitri, and nephew, Lamar Bradley.

Sleep easy, brother.

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