Steve McEwen

Steven Ray McEwen, 71, of Columbus, MS, passed peacefully into heaven at Windsor Place on July 11, 2025. 

He was born in New Orleans, LA on November 12, 1953, to the late Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Ray McEwen, Jr., who gifted him with the love of God, family, and music. Steve attended Demonstration Elementary, Joe Cook Jr. High and Lee High School in Columbus, MS before graduating from Mississippi State University and subsequently from Law School at the University of Mississippi. After obtaining his Juris Doctorate. Steve returned to Columbus to practice law until his retirement in 2022. In addition to his musical talent, Steve obtained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He also excelled in basketball, tennis, and golf in high school, and remained an avid golfer his entire life. Steve met the love of his life Marion Biddy McEwen in 1971. His good looks and kindness garnered her attention, but it was his gentle piano rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song” that stole her heart. They were married on August 12, 1978, at the First Baptist Church in Columbus with Dr. Joe McKeever officiating. Steve and Marion were blessed with two boys Josh and Jonathan, who as children were lovingly nick-named Thunder and Lightning. 

For many years Steve coached several of his sons’ sports teams and when not coaching, he attended any and every game they played. Steve was well known as a man of deep faith. For over 60 years, Steve was an active member and Deacon at First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, served on committees, and sang in the choir. In 2023 he joined First Methodist Church of Columbus. Steve had a lifelong dream of visiting all 50 states and he came remarkably close with 49! (every state but Hawaii). Memorable attempts at this goal included a round-about detour from Washington DC to “hit Delaware,” and the longest-road-trip-ever from Columbus to Alaska in a motorhome with Josh, Jonathan, and father-in-law M.P. Biddy. Steve celebrated the wonders of God’s simple gifts of snowfalls and fall colors. He especially loved “his tree” on 2nd Ave N between the YMCA and First Baptist’s parking lot for its spectacular orange leaves each October. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Cecil Ray McEwen and Patrica Simmons McEwen, and is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marion Biddy McEwen, sons Joshua Steven McEwen (Delise) of Arroyo Grande , CA and Jonathan Ray McEwen (Karen) of Nashville, TN; Sisters Marcia McEwen Thatcher (Walter) of Columbus and Joyce McEwen Plunkett (Bruce) of Madison; Grandchildren Abraham McEwen, Ephraim McEwen, and Cyrus McEwen (all of Arroyo Grande, CA); In-laws Mrs. M.P. Biddy, Chris and Ann Buster, and William Biddy; Nieces and Nephews Josh and Sara Hartley, Mac and McKenzie Thatcher, Cody and Emily Berryhill, Mark and Mallory Thatcher, and Jackson Plunkett; Great nieces and nephew Preston Hartley, Wilkes Thatcher, and Mattie Thatcher. Steve’s life was celebrated in a service on Sunday, July 13 th at First Methodist Church of Columbus. 

Memorials may be sent to First Methodist Church of Columbus. 

Pallbearers: Josh Hartley, Jackson Plunkett, Mac Thatcher, Mark Thatcher, William Biddy, Cody Berryhill. Honorary Pallbearers: Clay Terrell, Bill West, Bob Dale, Eddie Bozeman, Leon Ellis, John Koehler, Clint Dean, Bunk Harpole, Joseph VanEvery, Bill Hill, Forest Allgood, Richard Dale, David Dunn, Jim Nelson, Keith Thomas, the MSU Freshman “Dorm Boys”, and members of the Joey Henderson Sunday School Class at First Baptist.