Obituary: Stephen Clay Honchell

Stephen Clay “Steve” Honchell, 67, of Oxford, Ohio, passed away on Feb. 7, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, William E. Honchell Sr., and is survived by his mother, Gladys (Johnson) Honchell; his siblings, William (Bill) E. Honchell Jr. and Lissa (Tim) Bowen; his stepchildren, Maggie (Matt) Shamp and Drew Evers; grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan Shamp; niece Taylor Honchell; nephews Mitchell Bowen and Alex (Bryan) Bowen; and great-niece Alesana Asher. He was a proud father, brother, uncle, son, friend and a steady presence in the lives of many who loved him.

Steve graduated from Talawanda High School in Oxford in 1976 and went on to build a life and career defined by craftsmanship, reliability and pride in a job well done. A third-generation builder, he spent decades working across Ohio, Texas, and Washington, D.C., helping shape homes, hospitals, bridges and commercial buildings. In the Hamilton and Oxford area, he built some of the most beautiful homes you’ll find – the kind meant to last and to be lived in. He retired from the Carpenters’ Union in 2024 after many years as a superintendent, respected by colleagues and tradespeople alike.

He loved what he did, and even when he wasn’t on a job site, he was usually helping a friend or family member with a project, offering advice, or making sure something was built the right way. Steve enjoyed sports, animals (his dogs were some of his favorite companions), all genres of music and was a great cook who liked bringing people together around a table. 

More than anything, Steve cared about his family. He was deeply proud of his children, nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly and looked up to him. He was known for his generosity, his kindness, and his work ethic – a man who showed up, helped out and stayed until the job was done. He was loved deeply in return and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with family and friends.

In honor of Steve’s love of family, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Good Work Collective, a nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care. This cause was especially meaningful to Steve and his family, including his nephew Alex, who was adopted through foster care. Donations may be made at: The Good Work Collective/Steve.

This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.