Steve Chlapecka, Jr.

Steve Chlapecka, Jr., rice farmer, avid sportsman and local community leader Steve Chlapecka, Jr. whose smile and laughter was known thoughout the Grand Prairie, died on July 6, 2021 in Hazen, Ark. He was 86. Steve was born on April 3, 1935, in Slovak, Ark., to Olga and Steve Chlapecka, Sr., who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his sister, Marie. A 1954 graduate of Hazen High School and second generation rice farmer who had a lifelong passion for duck hunting, Steve cared deeply about his family and giving back to his community. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Reta; and three children, Donna (James Coleman), Steve (Allyson) and Nancy and two sisters, Dorthy Riddell and Angie Simpson. He relished his role as Papaw to three grandchildren, Steven Chlapecka, Caleb Coleman (Becca) and Jordan Chlapecka; and two great-grandchildren, Cailey and Livvy Coleman. Known to many a "Big Steve" both due to his stature and to his generosity to friends and neighbors. He was a beloved member of the Hazen community, so much so that Steve's school yearbook said: "What would London do without Big Ben? What would Hazen do without Big Steve?" When farming wasn't enough to keep his busy, he found plenty of time to give back to his community. Steve served on the Hazen School Board for 15 years, Hazen Fire Department for 30 years, the Riceland Foods, Inc. Board of Directors for 18 years, and Riceland Foods Hazen branch Board of Directors for 40 years. He also served as a member of Prairie County Sheriff Patrol Volunteer auxiliary and the Jaycees. Steve was a faithful, lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., and the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Hazen First Baptist Church on Friday, July 9, with interment immediately following at Slovak Lutheran Cemetery in Slovak, Ark. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Memorials can be made to Slovak Lutheran Cemetery and Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com