Stephen Frank Willoughby
February 4, 1957-May 20, 2021

Stephen Frank ‘Steve’ Willoughby of Hudsonville and formerly of Dearborn, passed away at home on May 20, 2021 after a long battle with COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. 

To know Steve was to love Him. Unconventional, opinionated, a lover of communication and word play in all forms, the world lost a beautiful soul. 

Born and raised in Dearborn, a graduate of Dearborn High School and later Henry Ford Community College, Steve knew nearly everyone in the city and enjoyed making personal connections and offering help and advice when needed (whether or not it had been solicited). 

Upon graduating from high school, Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of sergeant. Sadly, while celebrating the completion of his first stint, Steve broke his neck surfing, ending his dream of a life-long military career. Nevertheless, he was a proud Marine who displayed high regard for honor, courage, and commitment that was reflected in everything he did throughout his life.

After rehab and an honorable discharge, Steve returned to Dearborn and worked for the Wayne County Road Commission for over 20 years before taking a medical retirement. 

A lifelong lover of classic rock and roll, cooking, reading, history, documentaries, animals, and the outdoors, Steve enjoyed life. An avid sports fan, he rarely missed a game when the Tigers, Lions, or Wolverines were playing. He also loved birdwatching, hunting, and fishing. 

To say he enjoyed meeting new people would be an understatement. If there was a circle of people at a party, he would be at the center making others feel welcome. He was a great story teller and anyone who knew him has a tale of his exploits to share. 

Larger than life, a gentle giant, and a possessor of a strong spirit and a great wit, he will be missed by his family, and his many, many friends. 

Steve is survived by his loving girlfriend, Renée Clemens of Hudsonville; his daughters, Jacqueline (Gabe) Shader of Whitmore Lake and Alexandra (AJ) Simmons of Wyandotte; two wonderful grandchildren, Caleb and Ellary; his best friends, Robert and Peggy Romeo of Brooklyn, Mi; and the mother of his children, Janice (Dennis) Pappas of Wyandotte. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie.

A Celebration of Life was held at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home in Dearborn. Steve is interred at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.