Steve Niswonger

Steve O. Niswonger, 58, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, April 21, 2013, at his home.

He was born April 16, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, to Chester D. and Thelma "Pat" Crites Niswonger. He graduated from high school in 1973 in Memphis, Tenn. He and Shirley J. Laurentius were married June 4, 1977, in Cape Girardeau.

Steve began his career Aug. 1, 1978, as a uniformed patrol officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department. He transferred to the fire department Dec. 15, 1980. He was promoted to captain March 1, 1987, and on Jan. 1, 2000, he was promoted to battalion chief. Steve retired as C-Crew battalion chief Dec. 17, 2010, after serving 32 years with the city of Cape Girardeau.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley J. Niswonger of Cape Girardeau; brothers Tom (Flossie) Leggett and Dan (Alice) Niswonger, and twin brother, Marty (Nancy) Niswonger, all of Cape Girardeau; mother-in-law, Rose Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; four brothers-in-law, Gary (Diane) Laurentius of Fruitland, Randy Laurentius of Cape Girardeau, Jim (Sherri) Laurentius of St. Louis and Rick Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; 13 nieces and nephews; and 17 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dale Niswonger; father-in-law, Alfred J. Laurentius; and brother-in-law, Ray Laurentius.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel, with parish prayers at 4 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Steve Niswonger Scholarship Fund for training of Firefighters and First Responders, c/o First State Community Bank.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.