Stephen “Steve” Carkeet, 78, of Turlock, passed away at Alexander Cohen Hospice House.  He succumbed to other complications after successful heart surgery.

Stephen was born to Stephen and Mary Carkeet at Lillian Collins Hospital in Turlock.  He attended local schools and Modesto Junior College, and served in the U. S. Army in Berlin during the post-WWII occupation.  He was a representative of Farmers Insurance Group for most of his career. Steve loved the theater, both on and off the stage.  He served a long term as Board President of Turlock Community Theater and was an active member of Rotary.  He also loved to travel, and did so extensively. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna Mall Carkeet, his daughters Elizabeth Carkeet Pace (Vince) of Port Orchard, WA, and Jennifer Carkeet Davis (Teddy) of Merced, and grandsons Brian and Matthew Pace.  He also leaves his sister, Colleen Carkeet Bill, and brother, Stanley Ross Carkeet (Jeannie).  Steve will be missed by all, including his many Carkeet and Bill nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Turlock Community Theatre, P. O. Box 1458, Turlock, CA 95381 or Turlock Salvation Army, 893 Lander Ave., Turlock, CA 95380. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 21, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd.  Private interment at Turlock Memorial Park will precede the service.