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Michael Stephen "Steve" Leader

Male 1953 - 2026  (72 years)


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  • Name Michael Stephen "Steve" Leader  [1, 2, 3, 4] 
    Nickname Steve 
    Birth 19 Sep 1953  San Diego, San Diego County, California Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 3] 
    Gender Male 
    Death 19 Jul 2026  [1] 
    Obituary 24 Jul 2026  Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri Find all individuals with events at this location  [1] 
    News-Press NOW 
    • Leader, Michael S.

      TIPTON, Ind. - Michael Stephen Leader, 72, of Tipton, Indiana, formerly of Savannah, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Born on Sept. 19, 1953, in San Diego, California, Michael was the son of Morris and Hazel Leader.

      Michael spent his career as a truck driver before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, his stubborn streak, and the sense of humor that stayed with him until the very end. He enjoyed fishing and cherished the time he spent with family.

      Michael was preceded in death by his father, Morris; his first wife, Debbie Stewart Leader, whom he married in 1974; his brother, Bob Leader; nephew, Chase Leader; and nieces, Shelby Wilson and Haleigh Smith. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Bob and Jeannene Stewart.

      Michael will be remembered for his determination, his unmistakable sense of humor, and the love he had for his family. Though stubborn at times, he never lost his ability to make those around him laugh, even in his final days. His memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by all who knew him.

      A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

      In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Michael's honor to Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Missouri, 701 Lower Lake Rd St. Joseph, MO 64504.

      Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Leader family. Please leave online condolences for them on Michael's obituary page at www.young-nichols.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
    Burial Savannah Cemetery, Andrew County, Missouri Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 3] 
    Person ID I19361  CCBasic
    Last Modified 30 Jul 2026 

    Father Morris R. Leader,   b. 10 May 1931   d. 7 Mar 2001 (Age 69 years) 
    Marriage 18 Sep 1952  [2] 
    Family ID F7485  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 1 Deborah Elaine "Debbie" Stewart,   b. 15 Apr 1955, Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 2 Apr 2004 (Age 48 years) 
    Marriage 25 May 1974  [1, 3, 5] 
    Family ID F7486  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 28 Jul 2026 

    Family ID F7488  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 26 Jul 2026 

  • Photos
    Michael and Deborah Stewart Leader -- Grave Marker    		Michael and Deborah Stewart Leader -- Grave Marker
    Michael and Deborah Stewart Leader -- Grave Marker    		Michael and Deborah Stewart Leader -- Grave Marker

  • Sources 
    1. [S30] Missouri., Missouri, Buchanan County -- The St. Joseph News-Press NOW Newspaper (Online), (http://newspressnow.com:), 26 Jul 2026, "Leader, Michael S.," 24 July 2026, online archives (https://www.newspressnow.com/obituaries/leader-michael-s/article_c72cc4c9-8d54-5e4c-a48b-d3ee7a254173.html : accessed 24 Jul 2026). (Reliability: 3).

    2. [S59] Missouri, Andrew County -- Savannah Cemetery (PACT), 26 Jul 2026, Morris and Hazel Leader, section 1; photographed by the PACT project. (Reliability: 3).

    3. [S59] Missouri, Andrew County -- Savannah Cemetery (PACT), 27 Jul 2026, Michael and Deborah Leader, section 1; photographed by the PACT project. (Reliability: 3).

    4. [S513] Missouri. Savannah., Missouri, Andrew County -- The Savannah Reporter and Andrew County Democrat Newspaper (Newspapers.com), 29 Jul 2026, "Birth Announcements," 24 September 1998, p. 3, col. 5. (Reliability: 3).

    5. [S269] Missouri., Missouri, Buchanan County -- The St. Joseph News-Press Newspaper (Newspapers.com), 28 Jul 2026, "Deborah E. Leader," 04 April 2004, p. 15, col. 4; digital images(https://www.newspapers.com/image/563908986/ : accessed 26 Jul 2026). (Reliability: 3).