Stephen Edward Fillman Sr., 78, of Plainfield, Ohio, took his final ride at the Genesis Hospice Care of Zanesville after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Newcomerstown, Ohio, to the late Walter “Popeye” and Vera (Bourne) Fillman. Stephen was a graduate of Newcomerstown High School’s class of 1966 and attended American Technical Institute in Cleveland. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967, and trained to become an aircraft maintenance specialist at Lackland AFB in Texas. He proudly served his country in Vietnam 1968-1969, later donating his uniform to the Temperance Museum in Newcomerstown.

After returning from Vietnam, Stephen met Cheryl Wilson, the first love of his life, and they were married on December 16th, 1972. They shared 33 years of marriage, raising four amazing children who inherited their mom’s charm and their dad’s wit. After Cheryl’s passing in 2006, Stephen’s heart made a second comeback when he married Carolyn Woodring on June 16th, 2012. They were able to celebrate 14 years of marriage the day before Stephens' passing. In his second marriage he gained three daughters and a lifetime supply of new family stories.

Stephen retired from the Maaco paint company in Columbus, after 20 years. He was a talented photographer and had a passion for all things racing. If it had wheels or an engine, Stephen probably had an opinion, and a favorite driver. He was known to find his relaxation at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, proving that the need for speed doesn’t fade with age.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn; a daughter, Lori (Ray) Kaylor of Forest, Virginia; three sons, Joe (Laura) Fillman of New Albany, Ohio, Darren (Jennifer) Fillman of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Stephen “Chip” (Nicole) Fillman Jr. of Marysville, Ohio; three stepdaughters, Sarah Coffey of Strasburg, Ohio, Julie (Jared) Lawrence of New Philadelphia, Ohio and Crystal (Robert) Qualls of Mount Vernon, Ohio; grandchildren, Chase (Morgan), Mitchel (Bri), and Casey (Jillian) Kaylor, Kelsey (Caleb) Ferguson, Danielle (Zachary) Cassidy, Kate (Chris) Rhinehart, Peyton, Reese, and Benjamin Fillman, Cassandra and Rachel Fillman, Gavin, Logan and Reagan Fillman; step-grandchildren, Hunter (Santi) Grasselli and Zachary Coffey, Wyatt, Whitney, and Waden Lawrence, and Mason Qualls; nine great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister, Deloris (Chester) McVey; brothers-in-law, D. Michael (Cheryl) Wilson and Jerry (Nan) Tester and his beloved dog Pickles.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Cheryl; sister-in-law, Diana (William) Mehan.

Honoring his wishes, Stephen will be cremated and reunited with Cheryl in Plainfield Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours, just a private family service with military honors to celebrate a life well-lived and a legend forever in the family photo album.

The family would like to thank Genesis Hospice Care of Zanesville and Interim Health Care of Coshocton. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Stephen’s honor to Genesis Hospice Care of Zanesville.

Rest easy, Stephen. May the roads you now travel be smooth and full of open throttle.