Steven Dale Blackledge of Sarasota, Florida, died September 18, 2024, at the age of 77 years. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 3, 1947. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, his daughter Lesley Champness (Michael) and two granddaughters (Emmeline and Ila), and his stepson Geoff Priebe.
Steve grew up in Fairview, Oklahoma and received his bachelor’s degree (1969) and master’s in accounting (1974) from Oklahoma State University. In between degrees, he served in the U.S. Army from October 1969 to April 1972 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Steve worked at Arthur Andersen and Accenture for 26 years and retired in 2001. He led a beautiful retirement life of service and traveling the world with his wife, Lynn, especially National Parks. Steve loved bicycling, photography, reading, music and learning about the world around him. He enjoyed attending local arts cultural events as well as Florida State Parks.
He lived a full life and was loved by his family and many friends. His memory will be in our hearts forever.
A private ceremony will be held at The National Cemetery in Sarasota and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to any of these Sarasota organizations: Sarasota Opera at www.sarasotaopera.org, Samaritan Counseling at www.samaritangulfcoast.com, or Mote Marine at www.mote.org in his memory.
