A Celebration of Life for Steven Jewell ‘Steve’ Bruce, 58, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
Born in 1964, son of Anita (Crewe) and J Bruce. Preceded in death by his father, J Marshall Bruce. Survived by mother Anita Moske of Lawrence; son Todd Bruce, daughter in law Sara Bruce, and grandchildren Addison Tyler and Ryder Steven all of Lansing; also an uncle, James Crewe of Lynchburg, VA; an aunt Ellen Becker and uncle Darryl Becker, cousins Theresa Teufel, and her husband Will Teufel, of Nickerson KS, Mica Stites, and her husband Britain Stites, of Junction City, KS and Mallory Teufel of Nickerson, KS.
Raised in Junction City, Steve moved to Salina for a number of years before settling in the Lawrence area.
Steve had many talents, interests, hobbies and enterprises. Beginning young, he raced moto-cross – stopped by a compound fracture, he moved on to his passion for music. Joining local bands just wasn’t enough – he became the impetus to start new bands and outfit them with sound systems. Band life was replaced by his obsession for racing, when son Todd was of age to begin racing quarter midgets.
Steve was a self-made man, building upon his dreams and aspirations. Racing in his bloodstream, Steve built the SBRC company, building high performance custom race cars and racing his own, and then joined by son Todd and his own car, when time and money allowed. As Steve always said, “racing is a lifestyle, not a hobby.”
Always on the lookout to maximize his business, Steve began Steve Bruce Welding and Fabrication, serving the Lawrence area, closely followed by Bruce Precision Arms Company.
Steve greatly enjoyed time outdoors, stocking and fishing his pond, taking care of the property, target shooting and being with the people he loved. The arrival of his granddaughter Addie brought new joy and sparkles to his eyes, and then when his grandson Ryder arrived, he was overjoyed. These youngsters were a source of joy in his last years, as were his mother, son and daughter in law.
Steve will be missed. His love of life, his laughter, his complex knowledge – his love for his family – there is now a void that cannot be filled.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
We will miss Steve so so much!
I first met Steve and family when we decided to have him and Todd restore our 72 Buick. I ended up working with them on the Buick over a 2.5 year adventure. It was an honor being entrusted to work in his shop which he didn’t allow many people to do. I tried to help him out with various IT needs at the time and Steve just wanted to stuff to WORK! I regret we didn’t get the final product for him to ride in but Eileen and I plan to drive it to the funeral barring any weird weather. I always wanted to catch one of his big bass in his pond but he did enjoy feeding them and growing all the fish.
Let’s say the time spent with him was unique during the Buick adventure and his startup of Bruce Precision Arms. He will be missed and I wish I had his expertise to help with a few minor Buick details.
Our sympathy goes out to Anita as well as to all his family.
Anita and family ,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved son. I remember hanging out with him when we were kids and he always made me smile. May God comfort all of you! He was the pride of your mom and dad as well..there beloved grandson. We had some good times together.
Anita and family there are no words just tears, grief and understanding. Steve is the reason we moved to Lawrence. His love of racing was contagious and he was so much fun. Many a night was spent in the shop getting “Wicked and Wild” ready! He will be truly missed…rest in peace friend.
Anita ,Todd Sara , Addison and Ryder,
I grew up with Steve and remained in close contact with him and Anita over the years. I just spoke to him about 3 weeks ago and can’t believe he is gone. My deepest condolences to you all …Steve always talked about his family and how much he loved them ! He will be truly missed by us all ??❤️
Anita, I am so sorry. He was a force of nature. He loved life and he filled his life with all things that made him the happiest. My prayers are with you. Carla
The McInroy’s share in your sorrow. Steve was a good husband for many years! He will be missed by those who loved him!!!
Linda
My thoughts and prayers are with you Anita.
I went to school with Steve and we became friends. RIP !! Hugs to you and your family Anita.
I and Steve grew up together. Living in the same neighborhood. He became part of my family. We we to school together from kindergarten to high school. I often call him to chat. Basically about race cars. I went to see him playing in the band a few times. He was a dam good friend of mine. You will be missed. Rest in peace my friend
May memories of a life well lived bring comfort to loved ones and friends as they make their journey of grief.