Steven Jay Bavin, 70, of Lakeland Florida, formerly from Coldwater, Mich. passed away, from a two-year battle of prostate cancer, Thursday December 7, 2017 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 10 – 12:00 noon at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Military Honors to be presented by Coldwater American Legion Post # 52 at 12:00 noon. A short eulogy and memorial service will follow military honors. A private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Steven was born Oct. 26, 1947, at home in Romeo, Mich. to the late Ora and Freda (Motz) Bavin. Steven served in the United States Army during Vietnam War. Upon discharge he continued serving with the National Guard in Coldwater and Sturgis Units, and later transferred and retired from the United States Naval Reserves in Battle Creek, Mich.

He married Carol Ann (Schiele) Bavin on July 10, 1971. Steven attended Western Mich University of Kalamazoo, where he received his BA and MA in Physical Education and Counseling Programs.
Steven moved to Coldwater in 1977 and taught Physical Education in Elementary and Legg Middle School. He retired in 2005. Steven and his wife were avid travelers in the states and overseas. He participated in numerous Civil War reenactments, private organizations and schools in Mich., Ind. and Fla, wearing Civil War clothing, to educate the public and students about 1860s weddings, funerals, the surrender at Appomattox, and General Robert E. Lee's life. He enjoyed being a volunteer for Coldwater Food Pantry, Tibbits Theatre, and Polk Theatre in Lakeland. He was active in Calhoun Co. Big Brothers Program, and playing Recreational Volleyball and Softball in Coldwater.

Steven's love for sports including the Detroit Tigers, and the mountains led him to purchase a winter home in Florida and a summer home in North Carolina.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Carol Bavin of Lakeland; one son Paul Steven Bavin of Battle Creek, and daughter JulieAnne Bavin and husband Manny Haynes of Orlando, Fla; two beloved granddaughters, Keanne and Anne.

Steven is also survived by his step-brother Larry Kleehammer of Richmond, Va, sisters Rosemarie Hoffman and niece Jenny of Bradenton, Fla, CarolAnn Forslund of Kalamazoo, Joyce Fierke, and husband, Joe of Battle Creek. Preceding his death is step-brother Cleo Kleehammer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Branch Area Food Pantry in Coldwater or the Branch County Humane Society. www.dutcherfh.com