Stephen L. Berkey, 78, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, went home to be with Jesus on September 30, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Goshen, Indiana, Stephen spent most of his life in the Fort Wayne area. In 1986, he married Barbara Goshorn, and together they built a life of faith, service, and adventure. Stephen worked for Wayne Home Equipment from 1976 to 1991 and also served as a volunteer fireman in Roanoke. Later, he and Barb moved west to serve as lay missionaries in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. During that time, Stephen enjoyed working for ten years at Disneyland in Anaheim.

After retiring in 2012, Stephen and Barb returned to Fort Wayne, where they became active members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, participated in Stephen Ministry, and volunteered at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Barb; six children, Pam (Steve) Dennie, Jim (Kelly) Mize, Jodie Kelly, Stephanie Johnson, Scott (Terra) Miller and Stacey Bales; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, Ken Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Kathryn (Truex) Berkey, his brother David Berkey, and his sister Janet Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's honor may be directed to Tunnel to Towers, PO Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0719 or Riley's Children's Hospital.

A celebration of Stephen's life will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service. A commitment of ashes will take place at a later date.