Donald G. Stepp

Funeral Mass for local entrepreneur, Don Stepp "the candyman" will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at St Patrick's Catholic Church at 1:00 PM, with graveside services at Highland Park Cemetery in Casper, and a reception to follow at St. Patrick's church. In addition a Vigil service and Rosary will be held from 7:00 PM Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Newcomer Funeral home, with a viewing prior to that from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Don died peacefully Saturday morning at the Wyoming Medical Center, October 11, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Don was born in Loring KS, on February 8, 1928, to John and Ruth Stepp. He had three sisters and a brother. When he was 8 years old the family moved to Hays KS, where he attended schools and met the love of his life, Elma Ross. He was an outstanding athlete, student and student leader, and member of the 1944 State Champion Hays Indians basketball team. He graduated from Hays High School in 1946.

In the summer of 1946 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy for a 2 year tour which included a 6 month station on the U.S.S. Prairie in eastern China. He rose quickly through the ranks and was honorably discharged as storekeeper 3rd class. He then moved to Greeley CO, where he rejoined Elma, and they were married August 7, 1948. They were married 37 years until Elma's passing from a sudden heart attack, in 1985. They had one child, a son, Michael, born January 1, 1955.

In September of 1948, Don entered his career as a confectioner at Peter's Popcorn in Greeley CO, where he apprenticed for 3 years, along with Elma. In 1951 at the ripe old age of 23, the couple opened their first shop in Colorado Springs CO, "Stepp's Candy and Popcorn" which they sold in 1955. In the spring of 1956 they opened Donells Candies in Casper WY, combining their first names for the company name. After 58 years, the company continues to operate in the Atrium Plaza under the direction of their son Mike and his children, Ryan and Cathy.

Don was active in St Patrick's Catholic Church from its founding. He was the first treasurer for the church, active in the Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, and an usher at Sunday Mass for 29 years. Always active in the community, he was a member of the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce and Casper Chamber of Commerce Ambassador's. He always spared time to talk to his many friends who came to see him making candy, an avocation from which he never actually retired. On the day before his passing he was busy making chocolates in the afternoon.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Elma, his sisters, Ethel Scott and Edith Hoffine, his brother Carl, and granddaughter, Kelli Lynne. He is survived by his son, Michael of Casper, grandchildren, Cathy, Patrick, Ryan (Christina) and Erin, all of Casper, his sister Marjorie Hubbs of Springdale AR, and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends including Dick Burnett, and Norm Pratt.

Contributions to the Casper College Alumni Association in Donald Stepp's name would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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