Rufus Lee Stepp

Rufus Lee Stepp, 92 of Dallas, died peacefully at home on October 24, 2023 in the presence of his loving family. Rufus was born to Mercedes Griffith on May 29, 1931 in Fort Worth Texas. He was a child of the Great Depression and was through grace, lovingly raised by his mother and his father, Vincent Chase. After completing High School, Rufus took some college courses and enlisted in the Honorable United States Navy where he served our Country for over 39 years. He worked with Rockwell International as an engineer and retired with the company after 39 years. He was also a Boy Scout leader and master from 1969-1987.

Rufus met and married the love of his life, Donne Foote, who quickly went from a Foote to a Stepp
and they shared 70 wonderful years and had four children together.

Rufus loved bowling, he and Donna were on the All-Star League together. He has a number of medals from his travels with bowling and numerous bowling Rings. Rufus would take all the kids to the bowling alley on bowling night while Donna worked but after he retired, he was bowling 5 nights a week! Rufus and Donna also shared a love for square dancing. They were in the Hoofers and Goofers Square Dancing Club and enjoyed their elaborate costumes and sharing their hobbies with their children. Costumes were a favorite of the couple, who were also known for their elaborate and creative Halloween Costumes.

One of Rufus’ most famous “costumes” was that of Dodo the Clown. This started when Rufus
purchased a costume from a thrift store to visit a co-worker’s sick daughter in the hospital, just to cheer her up. He enjoyed it so much that he turned the alter-ego into a hobby, doing parties and hospital visits. He was very active in the United Way and Dodo the Clown walked in many of the United Way Walks.

Rufus loved telling stories and could be described best as a walking joke-book. He enjoyed making
people laugh. He loved talking about the Navy and his stories from his years of service, in which he took great pride.

Rufus is preceded in death by his parents, Mercedes and Vincent Chase; his brothers, Evan Ray Luckett and Vincent Ray Chase; and his grandchildren, Shawna Cleere, Shaderia Stepp, and Crystal Henderson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Donna Foote Stepp; children, Rufus Lee
Stepp Jr. (Connie Cleere), Larry Stepp, Charles Stepp (Sharon Stepp), and Leah Simpson; grandchildren, Rufus Lee Stepp III, Nick Stepp, Jeff Stepp, Brandon Stepp, Natasha Ovalle (Michelle Ovalle), Destiny Turner (Nicholas Turner), Marissa Petronico (Mike Petronico), Jolene Taylor (Larry Taylor), Rachael Simpson, Aurora Simpson, and John Simpson; 33 great-grandchildren, 14 great great-grandchildren, and
numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.