Charlie Stepp Builder of Derby Steel Guitars

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 21 Mar 2009 5:18 pm

Mine and Barbara's sincere condolences to Margit and family for the loss of our good friend Charlie. May Our Lord give peace to the family.
...Roy and Barbara

Danny Hammers · Post by **Danny Hammers** » 21 Mar 2009 7:24 pm

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View Charlie's Guest Book here

Charlie F. Stepp

CHARLIE F. STEPP, 74, of Brooks, KY, was born January 1, 1935 to the late Grover Cleavland and Rosa Johnson Stepp in West Virginia and returned to his Heavenly Father March 21, 2009. Mr. Stepp was a U.S. Army veteran of Korean conflict, owner and operator of Stepp's Body Shop, Owner and builder of Derby Steel Guitar, a member of American Legion Post #157, Louisville Metro Steel Guitar Club and Nashville Steel Guitar Club. Among those who preceded him in death include his parents; and brothers, Troy and Wade Stepp. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Margit Graf Stepp; daughters, Elizabeth Sue Parker and Jaynette Mondie (Gary); son, Charles A. Stepp (Christy); sisters, Irene Maynard, Alice Fields and Nettie Stepp; brother, Robert Stepp; 11 grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks (Preston Hwy. at Brooks Rd.) with interment in Brookland Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects 2-8 p.m. Monday at Schoppenhorst.

"Well They say the angels in heaven play the harps.
But when I get there if I do.
I hope they play a steel guitar."
Danny and Patricia

Lonnie Portwood · Post by **Lonnie Portwood** » 21 Mar 2009 7:53 pm

We are so sorry to hear this news. Charlie and Margit always treated us like family and our trips to St. Louis will never be the same without Charlie in the Derby Room! RIP dear friend. Lonnie and Johnnie Portwood

Donna Sherrard Williams · Post by **Donna Sherrard Williams** » 21 Mar 2009 8:38 pm

words cannot express the loss.... from Boogie, Jeanie, Donna and the whole Sherrard family, our hearts are heavy with the loss of one of the kindest and sweetest men to ever walk among us... Charlie was the epitomy of "good friend" and always had a smile and a hearty hug or a handshake for all who met him... God bless Margit and her family... we love you hon and are here for you if you need anything! the Steel Guitar world has suffered another major loss

...the 40 years Mom, Dad, Larry and I knew you was far too short Charlie... you will be missed

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 21 Mar 2009 10:01 pm

My sincere condolences. I had a grand chat with Charlie in St. Louis last September. He was such a gentleman...so friendly and warm. May you rest in peace, Charlie.

Sonny Priddy · Post by **Sonny Priddy** » 22 Mar 2009 5:04 am

Charlie was Our Friend For A Lot Of Years We Will miss him. SONNY & MELVA.

Dick Sexton · Post by **Dick Sexton** » 22 Mar 2009 5:41 am

I learned of Mr. Stepps passing from a fellow steel player last night during my gig. So sorry to hear this news. My prayers and condolences go out to Mrs Stepp and Charlies family and friends. God bless you all.

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 22 Mar 2009 7:41 am

This makes my heart hurt. I only met Charlie one time when I played in the Derby room in St Louis.
Charlie made me feel like I was one of his Kids. What a sweet spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family.

Chris Castle · Post by **Chris Castle** » 22 Mar 2009 9:26 am

This is truly one of the saddest days for the world of steel guitar. Charlie and Margit Stepp have been like family to me for years and gave me my start in steel guitar. They were always there, always knowing how to make me feel special. They were both extremely big influences in my steel guitar playing and in my life... i know margit will get through this alright and i will be there for her always, just like charlie and herself were for me. i will never forget Charlie Stepp. He was a fine human being and had a true love for steel guitar and made the BEST steel guitar in the world - DERBY STEEL. He was a true friend and we all loved him dearly. Although he is gone now, i know he is in a better place and one thing is for sure - AS LONG AS I LIVE, DERBY STEEL WILL NOT DIE OUT. IT IS ALL I HAVE EVER PLAYED AND I WILL KEEP PLAYING DERBY FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE. It is truly his mark on the steel guitar world and just like all the other fallen legends, i will think of him every time I sit down to play... His memory shall live on and will never be forgotten in my heart...

The one and only Mr. Charles F. Stepp - NEVER to be forgotten; his memory lives on in the hearts of all.

my deepesest sympathies to Margit and the family...

-Chris Castle

Tommy R. Butler · Post by **Tommy R. Butler** » 22 Mar 2009 10:49 am

Just knowing I cant see you or call you Charlie floors me! I miss you and I am sad but I know you have a new body now and you are in paradise !!!

Margit I love you & I will see you Tuesday !

I am here if you need me !

Buddy Elkin · Post by **Buddy Elkin** » 22 Mar 2009 11:39 am

This is sad news. Our condolences to Margit and the whole family.

Buddy & Janice Elkin

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 22 Mar 2009 2:51 pm

Charlie will be sadly missed by many. I'm fortunate to have known him.

Sincerest condolences to Margit, Charlie Jr., Jaynette and the rest of Charlie's family and close friends.

Chris Caruso · Post by **Chris Caruso** » 22 Mar 2009 5:09 pm

RIP Charlie. We're all better for having known him. He always made us welcome in the Derby room to pick and sing. We'll miss you.
Chris and Jessie

Ronald Sikes · Post by **Ronald Sikes** » 22 Mar 2009 5:19 pm

I remember the first time I met Charlie at the Dallas Jamboree. After only talking for a short time it was like I'd known him all my life.He was that kind of guy.And each time I'd see him it was like a family member that I hadn't seen for a while. He was such a thoughtful and caring person. Our loss on earth is heavens gain.My prayers are with Stepp family.

Larry Moore · Post by **Larry Moore** » 22 Mar 2009 6:00 pm

It is so sad to hear about the loss of such a pillar in the Steel Guitar family.
I got to know Charlie and Margit about 10 yrs ago. My Wife & I had a booth
just outside his demo room in St Louis.

He was always so friendly to me and I did not play a Derby at that time.
I just bought a SD-10 3-5 about a month ago and I just talked to him last week.
I can only repeat what so many others before me has said, “We will all miss Mr. Charlie
Rest in Peace My Friend”

Larry Moore &(The Jewelry Lady)

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 22 Mar 2009 6:32 pm

I never knew Charlie very well but talked with him at the show in Lexington and on the phone . He made a great steel guitar to say the least . Best regards to his family from The Ohio Steel Guitar Association . Gary Preston ( President ) .

Glenn Thompson · Post by **Glenn Thompson** » 22 Mar 2009 6:55 pm

I bought my first Emmons from Charlie several years before he began making his own Derby steels and feel fortunate to have had him as a friend ever since. He always had a smile and "hello bud" for me, as I'm sure he had for everyone who knew him. He will certainly be missed at the steel guitar shows. My thoughts are with his family.

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 22 Mar 2009 8:11 pm

Sorry to hear about this. Charlie was always the same. He always dropped what he was doing and sat down and talked when you would drop in. He will be missed by many.

Gary Steele

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 23 Mar 2009 10:51 am

MY sincere Condolences to his family and the many friends he had,another great loss to our great steel family, may he rest in peace.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 23 Mar 2009 11:01 am

i'm sorry to hear of Charles passing on
my sincere condolences to his family
even though i never met or talked w: Charles, i did buy a Derby for a client here in France
May his steels keep the faith
Rest in Peace Charles

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 23 Mar 2009 12:52 pm

I want to add my condolences to Charlies family and friends. And also to you, Bob, and everyone at Derby. Charlie leaves behind a long list of friends and customers. Of course, he's joining up with some of the same in the hereafter. R.I.P.

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 24 Mar 2009 4:55 am

Deepest and most sincere condolences to Margit and the entire Stepp family. Our thoughts and fondest wishes go out to you all. I will NEVER forget the kindness and support that Margit, Charlie and the family have always shown to me. It will continue to inspire me to try and do the same for others. May God rest his soul, and heal the family in your grief.

Sincerely,

John Widgren and family
Wilton CT

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 24 Mar 2009 5:22 am

This is terrible. My condolences to the Stepp family.

Austin Preston · Post by **Austin Preston** » 25 Mar 2009 1:49 am

To Margit and family, Haven't seen Charlie in a long time as I live in Florida, but I will remember him as one of the nicest guys I ever met. Charlie always treated me well and even though I was never able to obtain one of his awesome Derby's, he helped me acquire the steel I've been playing now for about fourteen years. I will always be greatful for that and thankful to the Lord for allowing me to cross paths with him. I will be praying for you all, Austin

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 26 Mar 2009 5:58 pm

Just heard and it slammed me!!

Charlie,

What an awesome steel guitar i bought from you last year. What an awesome friend you became and i will miss you. My Daddy went to play steel in heaven this time last year so he will love on ya when you get there!! It's where true country music is still being played!!

"He is with you always"

km

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Charlie Stepp Builder of Derby Steel Guitars

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Charlie Stepp Builder of Derby Steel Guitars