Stephen \Steve\ Edward Spain, 64, of Midland, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018. He had been fighting severe diabetes and heart and lung disease for a long time. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Luke's United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Long officiating. A reception will follow the service.Stephen was born April 10, 1953 to Sidney J. and Elizabeth (Geer) Spain in Cisco, Texas. He attended elementary school in Marshall and secondary school in Lufkin, graduating from high school in 1971. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Christian University with a major in church music with emphasis on organ. He remained an ardent supporter of the Horned Frogs and bled purple.As a youth, he worked at many jobs, starting as a paper boy. He flipped hamburgers, was a hospital orderly, worked for a steel mill and for a funeral home. He was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout. He played bassoon in the school bands. During college years, he played the organ at Carswell Air Force base for five religious services each weekend: 1 Catholic, 1 Jewish, and 3 Protestant.Upon graduation, he became the organist/choir master for First Christian Church. Later he was on the music staff for Hope Lutheran Church and for Trinity Presbyterian Church, where his greatest pride was helping to design their Schantz organ. Stephen was accompanist/assistant at Midland College, was an active member of the American Guild of Organists, and worked with the Allegro choir, a semi-professional group. At the time of his death, he was the organist for St. Luke's UMC.Secular jobs included ARCO, Union Texas Petroleum, ClayDesta National Bank, and the Jack Sherman dealership as Mazda manager. He organized Miata Tumbleweed Club, planning and executing social events, trips, and races. In addition to his Miata mania, he was devoted to his dogs through the years: Mozart, Rolex, Kahlua, Vinnie, and Amistad. He enjoyed sailing and playing bridge. Stephen relished keeping in contact with his fellow TCU organ classmates and Professor Emmet Smith. He deeply loved his family.Survivors include his parents, Sidney and Elizabeth Spain of Tyler; brother, Roger Spain of Lufkin and Roselle, IL; sister, Carolyn and husband Andy Johns of Mansfield; nephews, Joseph Johns and Daniel Johns of Mansfield. Special friends are Bert Bostic and Donna Whiles.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the music department of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3011 W. Kansas, Midland, Texas 79701 or a charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
