Kenneth "Big K" Steinke

Amory – Kenneth “Big K” Steinke, 61, with his family surrounding him, passed away and then became totally healed in Heaven, on Thursday, November 24, 2022. He was born on March 27, 1961, in Midland Texas to Shirley Mae Hill Steinke and the late Ervin Carl Steinke.

Big K and his family moved to Monroe county when he was young and he attended Hatley Schools. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo Hall Steinke on December 17, 1982, and together they were blessed with three children. He was a great husband, loving father, wonderful grandpa, and a true provider for the ones he loved dearly. His stature was big yet his personality was larger than life and he always lived his life to the fullest often spoiling others. Big K never met a stranger.

A man who had an amazing work ethic, Big K owned and operated two businesses during his lifetime. One company was Steinke’s Masonry which he operated for over 40 years and the other was Steinke’s Lawn Care, which he co-owned with his son for over 15 years. Big K was tough and had a strong sense of determination, one of his favorite sayings was “I’m a Steinke, I can do what I wanna do.” He loved being outdoors, mowing, laying brick, and just working around others. Big K also volunteered and worked for over 21 years at the Hatley Fire Department. A man who was talented at motivating others, for many years he trained a lot of young men and women in Monroe, Lee Counties and the surrounding areas.

Big K loved others but most of all he loved Christ. He was Baptist and a longtime member of Wildwood Baptist Church. Big K liked to listen to Gospel and country music and he lived out his faith daily, giving his last dollar to others. He also was a former member of Providence Baptist Church. He had a heart of gold and always had a smile on his face. He volunteered with his granddaughters who were in Girl Scouts, and he was a big part of their involvement and training through the scouts.

In his free time, he liked to go hunting, fishing, cheer on Ole Miss, and watch Gunsmoke and Gold Rush on tv. Above all, the time he spent with his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids was his favorite past time. They know they were blessed by God with such a caring man.

There will never be another Big K and his presence will be missed all around town, as he knew and interacted with so many community members. The memories made with him will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Steinke, Amory; daughters, Maranda Smith, Amory, Memy Steinke Parker (Sarah), Amory; mother, Shirley Mae Hill Steinke; mother-in-law, Eudell Hall (James); grandchildren, Terri Ritter, Dakota Basham, Trinity Steinke, Harley Basham, Breanna Ritter, and Zacharias Smith; great-grandson, James Micheal Steinke; sisters, Shirley Jean Price, Linda Steinke, Brenda Steinke, and Jessica Sloan (Donnie); brother, Charles Steinke (Jamie); nieces and nephews, Melissa Tucker, Tonyia Simpson, Tom Price, Robert Steinke, James Steinke, Libby and Micah Sloan, Kayla Richey, Eric Richey, Brittany Smith, Brandon Steinke, JR Capps, and Miley Poirer; sister-in-law, Marilyn Poirier (Darain); son-in-law, Bruce Smith.

He is preceded in death by his son, Micheal Lane Steinke; father, Ervin Steinke; brother, Bobby Richey; grandmother, Bertha Hill; Uncle, Gene Hill; Aunt Ann Hill; sister-in-law, Kay Richey; niece, Marie Vernon; and his nephew, James Ray Capps.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 11:00 am at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS, with Bro. Michael Easter and Bro. Chuck Moffett officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Amory, with Pallbearers being Brandon Steinke, Robert Steinke, James Steinke, Bruce Smith, Donnie Sloan and Bro. Chuck Moffett. Honorary Pallbearers will be Matt Hannon, Rob Sargent, Debbie Harmon, and the Hatley Fire Department.

Visitation for family and friends will be at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

The family would like to thank so many wonderful people who helped out during this time.
If one wishes, they may make donations to assist the family with final expenses either contacting the funeral home directly or mailing donations to the Family of Kenneth Steinke C/O E. E. Pickle, PO Box 127, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com