Stephen Joseph “Jody” Slage III, 67, passed from this life on June 4, 2026, following an unexpected heart‑related condition.
He will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to his children, his continuous pursuit of lifelong learning, and his unscripted sense of humor.
Steve served honorably in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Sergeant and supervising an aircraft maintenance team sustaining the combat readiness of strategic bomber forces stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base (later Eaker AFB).
He earned an Associate of Science degree through Georgia Military College, and in 1980, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Management through Park College (now Park University) in Blytheville, AR.
Steve continued his education throughout his life. In addition to pursuing a master’s degree in accounting at the University of Houston, he also completed a real estate license from The Real Estate School in Houston (1987), and a framing certification from Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, MI (1997).
Following his military service, Steve worked in retail management with Drug Emporium as an assistant manager and buyer, and later as a store manager for Eckerd Drug. He also worked in real estate with ERA Metro West in Houston.
An entrepreneur at heart, he owned and operated several businesses, including POP’s Ice Cream Shoppe and POP’s Painting & Carpentry.
Beyond his work and service, Steve was known for his lifelong love of baseball, a passion that began in childhood sharing a love of listening to Cleveland Indians baseball on the radio with his older sister and maternal grandmother, and holding a Little League record for stealing bases.
He also loved tennis and was an accomplished long‑distance runner, holding the half‑marathon school record for several years at Copley High School, near Akron, OH.
Steve was also an avid collector of antiques, with a special fondness for vintage Coca‑Cola memorabilia.
Steve is survived by his wife, Maria Slage, and by his children: April Slage Davis (Chris), Jennifer Slage Mak (Chhay), Madison Slage (Andrew Pelczar), and Stephen Joseph “Joey” Slage IV (Ellie McCormack).
He is also survived by Maria’s children, whom he embraced as family: Luis Torres (Dalia Parra), and his children Luis Torres Jr., Nathalia Torres, Joaquin Torres, and Ismael Torres; Kenia Barron (Alicia Barron), and her children Kimberly Roque, Kaylie Roque, Kaylanie Torres, and Mateo Torres.
He is also survived by his grandchildren:
Ethan, Zachary, Olivia, Justin, and Evelynn, as well as future step‑grandson Oliver Pelczar.
He is survived as well by his former wife, Vennie, and by his siblings:
Candace (Laurie) Logan (Tim), Lisa Slage Robinson (Chris), and John Slage (Brenda).
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Thalia E. Slage and Stephen J. Slage Jr., by former wife Becky, and by stepson Jeremy Rust.
Visiting hours will be held from 2–4 pm, followed by a memorial service from 4–5 pm, Thursday, June 18, at Leal Funeral Home, 11123 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.
Burial will take place at a later date at Houston National Cemetery for military veterans.