Steven Brent Coram

Steven Brent Coram, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 4, 1947, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Roscoe L. Coram and Marjorie (Williams) Coram and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Colleen (O’Brien); his daughters, Melissa Coram of Phoenix, Arizona, and Amy (Matt) Harris of Lincoln, Nebraska; and his five grandchildren: Samuel Harris (Kai) and Benjamin Harris, both of Lincoln, Nebraska; Joseph Harris of Kansas City, Missouri; and Madelyn Addison and David Addison, both of Phoenix, Arizona. 

Steve and Colleen’s love story began in the small town of Edina, Missouri, when he was in eighth grade and she in seventh. As an only child, Steve found not only a partner in Colleen, but a family in the O’Brien household—becoming, in many ways, an O’Brien long before Colleen became a Coram. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and a steadfast, abiding love. 

From a young age, Steve developed a strong work ethic and a deep connection to his community. He worked alongside his parents at Edina Lumber Company and later at the veterinary practice of Dr. Thomas O’Brien, his future father-in-law. He was a golfer, the quarterback of the football team, and his performance as a right-fielder on the baseball team earned him an opportunity to go to the big leagues. He developed a love of the American automobile and drag racing. After putting baseball dreams aside and graduating from Knox County High School in Edina, he attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University). 

Steve proposed to Colleen on a Friday the 13th at her college winter formal—a story they would carry with them throughout their lives. Thirteen months and thirteen days later, surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved Edina community, they were married on February 24, 1968, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they built their young family, welcoming their first daughter, Melissa, in June 1969, followed by their second daughter, Amy, in May 1970. 

Drawn by a desire to remain close to family and raise their children in Edina, Steve and Colleen returned home and became co-owners of Samuel Stephen’s, a clothing store on the town square—fittingly located on the same side of the street as both of their parents’ businesses. During this time, Steve also served his community as a volunteer firefighter. 

While in Edina, Steve enjoyed life as a husband and father immensely—often coaching teams and attending daughters’ performances. He joined the Knights of Columbus in the St. Joseph Catholic Church parish and earned his private pilot’s license. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and even driving teams of horses. He took part in Mountain Man Rendezvous reenactments, embracing the traditions and self-reliance of the early American frontier. 

In 1982, Steve returned to his passion for agronomy and joined Monsanto. He and Colleen relocated to Kearney, Nebraska, where he built a long and respected career serving Nebraska growers for 25 years. His excellence in agricultural sales earned him Monsanto’s Master Salesman Award. 

At his core, Steve was a cowboy and Nebraska suited him well. He was drawn to the land, to hard work, and to the simple beauty of the outdoors. He found joy in long cattle rides, evenings around the campfire, watching the sun set across the plains of Nebraska, and took pride in building something with his own hands. He returned to his passion for cars and began restoring old pickups and automobiles. Among his greatest accomplishments was the painstaking restoration of a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster—rescued from the earth and rebuilt over more than nine years into an award-winning hot rod. Whether at a car show or in his workshop, he found joy in both the process and the people.

 As his girls grew into young women, Steve continued to enjoy coaching and watching their performances. Colleen and he took dance lessons and loved the opportunity to dance together at events. Steve was a member of the Knights of Columbus in the Prince of Peace Church parish and served as Grand Knight from 2017–2019. He relished barbecues, pancake breakfasts, and helping to serve in any capacity. 

Retirement, however, did not suit Steve for long. He soon began a new chapter in real estate, earning his license and working as a Realtor® in Kearney. In 2015, he became a cofounder of Home Real Estate of Kearney. He was deeply engaged in his profession, serving as Treasurer of the Nebraska Realtors® Association in 2019 and President in 2020, and contributing at both the state and national levels. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame in 2022. Beyond titles and achievements, Steve found true fulfillment in the relationships he built, guiding clients with honesty, care, and trust. 

During this time of his life, he walked his daughters down the aisle at their weddings and was present at the births of all five grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than being a grandfather. He also had the opportunity to travel to Ireland, Italy, and France with the woman he loved since childhood. 

Once again guided by his devotion to family, Steve stepped away from his real estate practice, sold his interest in the brokerage, and he and Colleen moved to Buckeye, Arizona, to the community of Sun City Festival. There, they quickly formed deep friendships—creating a community that became family in every meaningful sense. Steve embraced life with energy and curiosity. He joined the car club, enjoyed woodworking, learned to play pickleball, and spent time on nature hikes and watching Arizona’s striking sunsets. From their patio, he found quiet joy in naming the hummingbirds that visited daily. 

True to form, retirement was not his speed. In 2025, Steve returned once more to real estate, earning his Arizona license, joining Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties, and proudly partnering with his daughter Melissa, who had followed in his footsteps. 

Above all, Steve was a man of character, heart, and faith. He welcomed others with kindness, treated people without judgment, and carried himself with a quiet humility that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He loved his country deeply and held a profound respect for those who served to protect its freedoms. 

Steve Coram was not only a gentleman—but a gentle man. His life was defined not just by what he did, but by how he made others feel: valued, welcomed, and at ease. His legacy lives on in his family, the friendships he built, and the countless lives he touched with his steady presence and open heart. 

Service Information: A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish in Surprise, Arizona, on Monday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m.