Stephen Crowell Lord, of Colorado Springs, died Jun 7, 2025.
Steve was born in Oak Ridge, TN. He graduated in 1972 from The Citadel, the Military College of SC and was commissioned in the USAF. After navigator training, he flew in C-130s, first in tactical airlift, then in two successive special operations units before leaving the cockpit in 1984 and cross-training into Signals Intelligence. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 as a Lt. Col. After the Air Force Steve worked in a variety of jobs until he retired completely in June 2008.
Steve married Nancy in June 1976. They went to Germany as six-month newlyweds. Their next assignment was to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson. After changing career fields, he was assigned to the National Security Agency, during which four and a half years they lived in Annapolis, MD. Steve’s final assignment brought the family to Colorado Springs in 1989.
On each of their stateside assignments Steve and Nancy bought “fixer-uppers”, developing Steve’s DIY skills. Steve later challenged his wood-working skills by building three cedar-strip canoes.
Steve and Nancy both enjoyed hiking, canoeing and camping. Steve loved history, especially military and political. He also was fascinated by trains, reading about them and riding them.
Steve’s Christian faith was manifested not only in confession and worship. His commitment to the Christian congregations he joined was one of full participation in Bible study, service and leadership.
Steve is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Stephanie (Bill McHardy), Elizabeth (Ryan Shea) and son Adam (Miriam), as well as grandchildren Jonah and Cora McHardy and younger sister, Tori Barcio. He will be very much missed.