Obenchain, Steven Garrett

Steven Garrett (Steve) Obenchain, 58, of Christiansburg and formerly of Roanoke, went home to his heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, after an eight month battle with cancer.

Steve was a selfless family man always putting the needs of others first. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren, watching their little league ball games, and going on road trips with his “Pete.” He grew up helping his parents in their greenhouse, inheriting the gift of a green thumb from both of them. This gift carried over to his home and landscape which eventually inspired him to open his own “Obenchain’s Nursery” in the 1990s in Christiansburg, Va. In addition to being a green thumb, he was also an excellent chef, his specialties were macaroni salad and deviled eggs.

Steve’s 40 year railroad career began with Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1971. He first worked in the engineering department where he served in several different positions. He was promoted to the position of Roadmaster in 1982 where he worked several of the heaviest traffic density territories on the railway. Steve will always be remembered as one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals to ever be a member of the Norfolk Southern family. He was a mentor to many young supervisors who worked with him on the Virginia Division and his guidance and expertise will be evident for many years.

He was an avid golfer spending the majority of his weekends on the River Course. Regardless of the final score he always had a good time and looked forward to replaying the game with his buddies at the 19th hole.

He was preceded in death by his father, Felix A. Obenchain; and a sister-in-law, Susan Obenchain. Surviving are his daughters, Lindsey Woodward and husband, Doug, of N. Augusta, S.C., Daniele Mosley and husband, Adam, of Blountville, Tenn., and Shannon Akers and husband, Jon, of Christiansburg; grandchildren, Hunter and Madi Grace Woodward, and Cody, Dylan and Ty Akers; mother, Evelyn Obenchain, of Roanoke; brother, Gary Obenchain, of Vinton; sister, Robin Patrick and husband, Mike, of Chamblissburg; devoted friend, Janie Fitzpatrick, of Christiansburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. Harry McCoy and the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, and the staff at Lewis Gale Montgomery Regional Hospital for the excellent care provided Steve during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society , 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2011, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Tim Woodward and the Rev. Larry Sprouse. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.