Stewart "Steve" Delano Sorge

Stewart "Steve" Delano Sorge, 76, left this life on February 18, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born June 2, 1945 in Sidney, Nebraska the proud son of Gilbert Frederick Sorge and Mildred M. Westerhoff.

Steve graduated high school in Gurley, Nebraska and went on to join the United States Air Force in September of 1965. During his time in the service, Steve served in the Vietnam War and earned many decorations, medals, and ribbons. His service honors include multiple clusters and stars representing recognition for the Air Force Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Steve retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in September of 1985. It was then that Steve began his 16 year career at Texas Instruments in Abilene ultimately promoting to Shift Manager in Austin, TX. He met his wife Mary Jo Collins in Abilene in 1992 and they married in Georgetown, Tx. in May of 1997. Steve retired for the second time in his professional career from Texas Instruments in 2001 when he and Mary Jo relocated back to the Abilene area, eventually settling in Baird, TX. in 2005. Steve began working at Abilene Lumber in March 2002 and worked there until March 2021. He and Mary Jo celebrated their union of 30 years January 2022 and celebrated 24 years of marriage in May of 2021. 

Steve’s hobbies included bowling as he bowled a 300 perfect game and was awarded a “Perfect Game Ring” by the United States Bowling Congress in 1998. He also enjoyed wood working in his shop where he's built multiple models, furniture, and keepsakes that left his grandchildren with a legacy of his talent. In his down time he enjoyed playing pool, reading, crossword puzzles, old Western movies and anything with family. Some of his favorite times were relaxing and visiting with family on the patio while watching a football or baseball game, or, playing cards, dominoes, or board games at the kitchen table during the Holidays. Steve was a wonderful and loving husband, provider and best friend, and also an amazing "Pops" and "Poppie" to his children and grandchildren. He was adored and admired by them all. He will be remembered for his calmness, intelligence, exemplary work ethic, giving and forgiving nature, sharp wit and gracious demeanor. He showed us all what it's like to love unconditionally- and he did to the very end. 

Steve is survived by many loved ones including his wife, Mary Jo (Collins) Sorge of Baird, TX.; children: Brad Bates and wife Erica of Arlington, TX., Monica Houston and husband Sean of Abilene, TX., Melinda Bates of Arlington, TX.; grandchildren: Jolea (Carpenter) Allen and husband Aubrey, Ashton Bates, Darby Bates, and Brady Houston; brothers: Lawrence Sorge and wife Janice of Merced, CA, Roger Sorge and wife Phyllis of Loveland, CO, sisters: Rowena Keenan and husband Bruce of San Diego, CA, and Maxine Knauss and husband Kamer of Loveland, CO, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother Bruce Sorge and wife Kathy, plus two beloved nieces Brenda and Kelly.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to Hendrick Hospice Care and the amazing team of nurses and doctors for all of their gracious dedication, care, and support. Also, to the numerous family members and friends that have been supportive and encouraging along this journey- "Thank You" is simply not enough.

Services remembering Steve and celebrating his life will be held at the Texas State Veteran's Cemetery located at 7457 W. Lake Road in Abilene, TX. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, Abilene TX.

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