Steven Edward Behe

Steven Edward Behe, Steve, 76, of Oxford, NY, passed away early morning of September 7, 2024, after his long hard-fought 4+ year battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Judson and Beverly Behe. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sherry, Brother Ronald Behe and his wife Marilyn of Little Falls, NY; daughter Stefanie (Shomper) and son in-law Thomas Shomper and their two children Jillian and Thomas of Clermont, FL; son Scott Behe and daughter in-law Cindy and their children Zachary and Abigail of High Point, NC. Sister in-laws Carol (Emmick) Dutton and husband Jay of Nichols NY and sister-law Linda (Emmick) Orman of Sedalia, MO. And about a dozen other “kids” and “siblings” that were Rotary Exchange students that had become true family members. Steve is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and Legend Sherry’s beloved service dog that was their always present companion.

Steve was born in Waverly, NY in 1947 and grew up Jamestown, NY, until middle school when he moved to Oxford NY, it was there in oxford, where he would meet his future wife and where he would live a long and fulfilling life. Steve was a good athlete playing multiple sports, but wrestling was his passion. He was very proud of being part of the Blackhawks Wrestling Team, being part of the first Clyde Cole tournament and being a Clyde Cole champion. He supported the Clyde Cole tournament the rest of his life as a volunteer, supporter and fan. He graduated from Oxford Academy and Central HS in 1965 and went on to SUNY Delhi where he got his associates degree and Simmons School of Mortuary Science where he became a licensed Funeral Director. 

He came home to Oxford to run Behe Funeral Home Inc. in 1968 and ran it for 55 years until his death. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors association, The NY State Funeral Directors Association and Past President of the Leatherstocking Funeral Directors Association. His love for Oxford was always present. He was past president of the Oxford Chamber, He was a Free Mason for over 50 years, a member of the Oxford Lions Club for 50 years and past president, President of Riverview Cemetery for numerous years, an Oxford town councilman, and a lifelong member of the Oxford United Church of Christ. He also supported Oxford Youth sports with donations and sponsorship, he faithfully carved turkeys for years for the community Thanksgiving dinner, and he never said no when asked to help with something that supported his beloved town. He had two “super passions” the Oxford Fire Department and Rescue Squad where he was an officer for many years, Fire Chief for 5 years, and Past Chairman of the Chenango County Fire Advisory Board. He marched in countless parades as Sparky the Fire Dog.

The Shriners was another passion. He was a long-time member of the Kalurah Temple in Binghamton, NY and Past Illustrious Potentate in 2007. Steve was also a member of an associated organization, Royal Order of Jesters, Past Director of the Mini Car Unit, Steward Unit Chenango Valley Shrine Club, Past President Knights Mecca, Past President of the NY-Ontario Shrine Club, Imperial OG Aide 2006, 2007 as Imperial Captain of the Guard and many others. He could be seen in many parades driving a mini car or most recently is yellow trike. Steve’s biggest Shrine Passion was the Shriners Children’s Hospitals where he served as a board member and 3 years as Chairman of the Board for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, MA. He raised money, drove kids in need to hospital appointments, traveled to conventions, and traveled for 3 years to Cyprus, to drive the vision behind the Shriners Cypriot outreach that continues to grow today based on that vision and did everything he could to give every kid a chance through the Shriners.

He and Sherry loved to travel and traveled around the country and world together, often to make sure they did not miss an event that included any event their children or grandkids were involved in. From weddings, birthdays, holidays, and even family reunions, Steve and sherry never missed a moment. Steve always believed that you had to make time for your family and that family always came first. He was fiercely proud of his grandkids and was proud to tell everyone of their accomplishments, both academically, and on the field. Whether he was live streaming the game from home or getting to sit in the front row and be louder than anyone else in the stands. He was there cheering them on.

Friends and family may call at The Behe Funeral Home at 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY on Wednesday September 11, 2024, from 3:00PM-7:00PM. A Funeral service officiated by Pastor Douglas Satterlee, will be held at the Oxford United Church of Christ, 25 Main Street, Oxford, NY 13830 at 10:00AM on Thursday September 12, 2024, followed by burial and interment ceremony at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford. Parking for the funeral service is welcome at both the funeral home parking lot and the church parking lot.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Steve Behe to either the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield, MA or to the Oxford Fire Department and Rescue Squad. 

Friends and family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.