Stephen "Steve" Wayne Cawthron, born February 1, 1954, in Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026 at the Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia with the love of his life by his side.

Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna Howser Cawthron of Philomont, Virginia; his daughter Heather and son-in-law Keith Pritts of Canfield, Ohio; his daughter, Laura Cawthron of Philomont, Virginia, his brother John and sister-in-law Sally Cawthron of Winterhaven Florida; his sister Margie and brother-in-law Tony Young of Bells, Texas; and several nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his father, John Cawthron, and his mother, Katherine Cawthron.

Steve spent his career as a dedicated employee of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia from September 1978 - May 2010 retiring from his final position as the Town's Water Pollution Control Superintendent. Steve was also the founder and business owner of Apex, Inc., a water treatment company that serviced residential, private schools, and businesses around Loudoun County, Virginia. He previously served as a Board Member and Chairperson for the Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Examinations Review Committee along with his service for the Loudoun County Sanitation Authority. Steve spent many years as a volunteer fire fighter in Leesburg, Virginia and served as treasurer in 1982. After moving his family to Philomont, he served as a volunteer firefighter for Philomont's Fire Department. He also volunteered on the county hazmat team for a brief time.

A family man who valued the simple pleasures in life including freshwater fishing, a strong appreciation for nature, stewardship of his land, campfires, and quality time with his family. Steve was always kind and generous with those he cared for most. Steve also enjoyed reading books about history, science, and the natural world. In his retirement years he enjoyed classic Western television and lovingly was referred to by his immediate family as the "cookie monster" for his love of cookies.

Steve's greatest accomplishment in life was showing his family what genuine love is all about. He will be truly missed and never forgotten.

A private celebration of life event will be scheduled and held in honor of Steve's memory in the near future. In lieu of flowers, gifts or cards, Steve's loved one's request donations be made to the Adler Center for Caring in Aldie, Virginia or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.