December 21, 1941 – February 9, 2026
Stephen ‘Steve’ E. McGrew, 84, of Seymour, IN, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Lutheran Community Home in Seymour.
Born December 21, 1941, in Shelbyville, IN, he was the son of Edward Leander and Avis (Sanders) McGrew. Steve was a 1959 graduate of Shelbyville High School. He briefly attended Purdue University to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Through his involvement in the Purdue marching band, he realized his true passion for music education. He remarked, “I’m better at working with people than with a slide rule.” This lead Steve to transfer to Indiana State University, where he played in several ensembles, served as graduate assistant, and received his Master’s Degree in Education. He married the love of his life, Josephine Ann Brose, on August 5, 1967 in Hartford City, Indiana. They were happily married for fifty-eight years.
Steve began his career as band director at Centerville High School. In 1968, he moved to Seymour and served as band director for Seymour High School where he taught for thirty- three years before retiring in 2001. Steve was actively involved in the Columbus City Band and proudly served as Director for many years. Steve played clarinet in the Columbus Pro-Musica, Schulhaus 4+3 German Band, and Dixieland Band. Steve was a member of Indiana Music Educators Association, where he contributed editorial pieces in the IMEA quarterly magazine. After retirement he worked for Paige’s Music Store in Indianapolis. Throughout his career and post-retirement, he repaired musical instruments. Steve was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church (Borchers).
Steve loved and cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a beloved and admired teacher and was once honored with Teacher of the Year Award. Steve was known for his kindness, patience, generosity, and sense of humor. With his unwavering support and encouraging words, his impact is felt far and wide by students, colleagues, friends, and family. He was a avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and IU Basketball. He enjoyed playing and teaching music, reading, fishing, camping, running, golfing, woodworking, and traveling with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family, students, fellow band members, and community.
Steve is survived by his wife, Josephine “Jo’ McGrew of Seymour, IN; his children, Christopher (Debra) McGrew of Oro Valley, AZ, Michael “Jay” (Sara) McGrew of Oregon City OR, Ellen (Kirk) Bos of LaPorte, IN, and Mindy (AJ) Davis of Charlestown, IN; seven grandchildren, Ian Bos, Lauren Davis, Brody Bos, Seth Davis, Isaac McGrew, Elijah McGrew, and Isabel McGrew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Avis McGrew; sister-in-law Carolyn Hughes; and two nephews, Alan Rogers and Joe Baker.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Borchers), 10792 N. Co Rd 210 E., Seymour, Indiana 47274, with Reverend Stephen Wood and Pastoral Intern Beth Sheedy officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 419 N. Chestnut St, Seymour IN 47274, and then also at the church Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing at www.rocksteadboxing.org, Parkinson’s Foundation, St. Paul Lutheran Church (Borchers), or Columbus City Band.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jon Pace and Scotty Wessel at the Burkholder Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Seymour.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
