Charles "Steve" Petrovich, Jr.
August 21, 1956 ~ November 11, 2024
Charles "Steve" Petrovich, Jr., a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Elkhart, Texas, on Monday, the 11th day of November 2024, at the age of 68. Born in Austin, Texas, on the 21st day of August 1956, to parents Charles Steve Petrovich and Mary Ellen Ducote-Petrovich, Steve was known for his loving and kind nature, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Steve dedicated 34 years of his life to a distinguished career in law enforcement, 8 years he served on the drug task force, where he was not only respected for his professionalism but also cherished for his warmth and compassion. His dedication to service was a testament to his character, making a difference in the lives of many and leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
His life was a testament to the love he carried for the Lord, and he took every opportunity to share the story of Jesus and his own personal testimony. Steve's commitment to his faith was evident in his active participation in a weekly men's prayer group and his devoted service in Tres Dias. Those who knew Steve were touched by his great sense of humor, which brought light and joy to every room he entered
Steve's love for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. He was a passionate fisherman, finding solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. His love for fishing was only matched by his love for his family. He cherished the moments spent teaching his grandchildren the patience and skill of casting a line, and the peaceful days spent by the water with friends and loved ones. His infectious laugh and gentle spirit will be forever missed but will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ellen Petrovich, stepmother Alice Petrovich, daughter Jessica Petrovich Reed, and brother-in-law Mike Davis.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Shirley Petrovich, and their two daughters, Heather Lively and husband Keith and Amy Robinson and husband Brian and his father Charles Steve Petrovich. He was a cherished brother to Laura Placette and husband Larry, Karen Davis, Susan Beadle and husband Mark, and David Petrovich and wife Judy. Steve's role as a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. His grandchildren, Emily Lively, Ella Lively, Westyn Robinson, Rielyn Robinson, Rebecca SanMiguel, and Nataliegh Sheffield, knew him as Poppa and/or Pop Pop, a title he held with immense love and pride. He adored each of them deeply and took every opportunity to express how much they meant to him. Steve also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Friends are invited to visit with the family and share memories of Steve from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 15th day of November 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home.
Funeral services to honor the life of Charles "Steve" Petrovich, Jr. will be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 16th day of November 2024 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Nolen Fox, Mike Medders, and Joe Berreth officiating the service. Interment will follow in Roselawn Park, Palestine, Texas.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Stephen Batts, Brian Robinson, Keith Lively, B.J. Perry, Mark Cooper, Shane Sandifer, Ronnie Moore, and Cody Carnell. Honorary pallbearers include David Petrovich and Westyn Robinson.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Steve Petrovich can be directed towards East Texas Vida Nueva, P.O. Box 298, Elkhart, Texas 75839.
Funeral services for Charles "Steve" Petrovich, Jr. are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
Please take a moment to express your condolences and share fond memories with his family by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Shirley, the sweetest and only conversation I ever had with Steve was when he was telling me how much he loved Jesus and through tears, how much he adored you. It was evident in his eyes when he spoke about both of you that ya’ll were the light to his darkness. 42 years! What a testimony to see and hear such adoration for you. I am sure he is rejoicing with Jesus and telling Him how much he misses you. Prayers for you my sweet friend.
I met Steve late one evening when he came into Burger King (where Chicken Express is now) to get something to go ,we talked little about law enforcement and he got his order. I told him thankyou be careful and come back and he did time to time. We became good friends, he was an exceptional person to have as a friend.
Dearest Shirley, I’m so sorry to hear about Steve. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Love, Sharon Goldman Toombs
Petro as we called him at UTPD was my FTO ., he was a great guy and was always there when you needed him. He will be greatly missed ??
Lord God, thank you for introducing me to Steve at East Texas Tres DÃas. We got to know one another while he was a Candidate, and more so when we serve together. Steve was such a positive person, and a great addition each week to our Tuesday morning Bible Study. My prayers for Philippians 4:7 Peace that surpasses ALL understanding go out to Steve’s Wife, Family, and all his many Friends!??
In the early 90s Steve would bring contraband that needed to be put in the incinerator to the hospital on Sycamore Street. I was always the one to walk him out there he was always a very kind man. He later he became a patient at the surgery clinic and he was just always so pleasant. Shirley I am so sorry for your loss my prayers go out to your family. God Bless you.
There are NO words I can express of the sorrow and shock…along with the sadness I feel right now. While browsing the obits, I NEVER thought I’d see Steve here. But yet…here I’ve found him. He worked as an off duty security for the company we both were employed with for a few years. He was a total delight and could brighten any room. The kids adored him and he adored them as well. He brought the rubber “yibberds”from his tackle box stash! The smiles on his and their faces will always be remembered. I’ll miss him always. He was truly one of a kind. Loyal, dedicated and most of all…A TRUE FRIEND. Rest easy and peacefully, my friend. See ya on the other side!
Miss Trena