Steven J. Oliver, 60, of 321 East Spring Street, New Knoxville, Ohio, died suddenly in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 11, 2010, at his residence. He had been blowing snow and suffered an apparent heart attack.

He was born May 12, 1949, in Greenville, Ohio, the son of Ray and Mary Louise (Brown) Oliver and they preceded him in death.

He married Susan Irwin on October 20, 1973; she survives at the residence. He is also survived by his two children: Lori Christlieb of New Knoxville; Jason (Courtney) Oliver of Cincinnati; three grandchildren: Zack Sievering; Madison Christlieb and Summer Oliver; by his mother-in-law, Alice Irwin of Columbus Grove, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a 1967 graduate of Greenville High School.
Steve was a retired brick mason and was currently serving as a Licensed Local Pastor for the United Methodist Church Northwest Plains. He was serving at Hume United Methodist Church. He served on New Knoxville Village Council from 1998-2000; he was an antique tractor enthusiast.

Steve had a long history with Freemasonry. On May 30, 1975, when he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Mercer Lodge #121, in Saint Marys, he began his journey through many Masonic bodies including:Worshipful Master of Mercer Lodge #121 in 1981 and 2005; in 2006 he served as District President while a Plural Member of Shane Lodge #377 in Rockford; a member of Royal Arch Masons Chapter #51 since 1978, where he served as High Priest and District Deputy Grand High Priest from 1993-1995; he served as District President of Royal Arch Masons for two terms; he joined the Council of Royal and Select Masons, Chapter #81, in Saint Marys, where he served as Illustrious Master in 1991 and 1992; he also served as Arch Adjutant of the 2^nd Arch in 1992.He joined the Commandery of Knights Templar Sidney Chapter # 46 in 1980; he served as Prelate for 14 years and was Emminent Commander in 1988. He joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton in 1978, where he served as Sovereign Prince from 2002-2004; he was raised to the 33^rd degree in 2003 in Saint Louis, Missouri.

He was a member of Ohio Priory # 18, Knight York Cross of Honor recipient, 1992; Knight Masons-Irish Council Emminent Commander, 2000; Buckeye Council Allied Masonic Degrees Sovereign Master, 2000; Tall Cedars of Lebanon # 188, Grand Tall, 2000; Saint Marys Court #50 Order of Amaranth, Royal Patron, 1983; Hawthorne Chapter # 119, Order of Eastern Star Worthy Patron, 1981, 94, and 2007; William Lear High Twelve President, 1993; Order of Silver Trowel, 1991; Order of High Priesthood, 1982, Servitor, 2005; Aug-Mer 32 Club, President, 1994 and 2000; Royal Order of Scotland; Past Chairman of the Rainbow Board, Past Ritual Advisor for DeMolay;PHP 1997 for the Apollo Dramatic Chapter Tabernacle #1; Miami Valley York Rite College; Grand Representative to New Brunswick for Grand Chapter; member of Antioch Shrine, member and past State Chaplain for the National Camper Travelers. He was currently serving as Grand King of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio.

Memorial rites will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, February 28, 2010, at the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton Temple, 525 Riverview Drive, Dayton, Ohio. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville, where memorial donations may be directed to the Learning Center of the Dayton Masonic Foundation or the Royal Arch Masons Adopt America Fund.