Stephen "Steve" Reid Fankhauser

Stephen “Steve” Reid Fankhauser, 76, of Parkersburg, passed away at home on April 12, 2025, with his daughters, a longtime family friend, and his faithful pet Snowball by his side, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Steve was born on August 20, 1948 in Clarksburg, WV.

Steve and his beloved wife Karen were grade school sweethearts and married in 1972. They moved to Parkersburg in 1973 and started a family in 1978. Steve was a proud union man working at: Adamston Flat Glass, O.Ames, and then John Mansville from 1979 to 2006, when it ultimately shut its doors. At John Mansville, Steve was a popular and well-loved colleague and friend and his coworkers affectionately gave him the nickname “Doc”. Many of them had still recently checked in with his family to see how Steve was getting along.

Steve is preceded in death by his adored wife of 51 years, Karen D. Fankhauser, having just lost her in 2023, parents Gordon E. Fankhauser and Leatrice “Dede” Fankhauser (Kennedy), brother, Roger Fankhauser, brother-in-law, Stephen Yachuw, and brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” LeMasters. Surviving Steve is his cherished and dedicated daughter, Kristine “Kris” A. Way-Fankhauser, daughter-in-law, Ashley E. Way-Fankhauser, grandson, Ashby Reid Way-Fankhauser, and granddaughter, Everly M. Way-Fankhauser. His family was his everything and he modeled for them unconditional love, kindness, and respect and his role in their lives will be unforgettable. Additionally surviving Steve is his sister Kathy Yachuw of Elkins, sister-in-law Joyce Fankhauser of Clarksburg, sister-in-law Sandy Jones (Michael) of Clarksburg, and nieces and nephews; Craig Yachuw, Melissa Yachuw, Billy Fankhauser, Jocelyn Vilain, Jessica LeMasters, Kaitlyn Matheny, and Ryan Jones, a special cousin Mary Frances “M.F.” Eckl, and caring family friends Sue Hathaway, Connie Cowan, and Teresia & Shelly Tracey.

Steve was a family man and appreciated celebrating everyday life with them, from backyard BBQs to holidays, game nights, and every occasion between. He loved Mountaineer football and basketball, gardening (he grew prized tomatoes), sci-fi TV and books, and bowling and golfing in his younger years. Steve relished in being handy and was well-known for wandering around the home and yard finding things to both fix and create. Always restless he never failed in finding something to work on, a trait that his daughter inherited and now carries on as his legacy. The late, great, Karen D. Fankhauser referred to it as “piddlefarting”.

Steve’s bond with his daughter Kris was treasured; and they had grown even closer this last year while she cared for him every day during his ten-month cancer journey. He was a solid provider for the family and despite shift work as a plant worker; he still always made time to support his daughter, whether on the ballfield playing softball or the bowling alley during her YABA league days. They enjoyed frequent family vacations together to the beach, Washington DC, Sea World, Cedar Point, and Buffalo to visit family.

Steve will be missed by all who loved him and called him a friend.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kelli Cawley and Marcia McCullough, and Nicole with Housecalls Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering dedication, treating their patients like family.

Arrangements are being handled by Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home. Per his wishes there will be no services at this time.