Bethany, MO: Steve was raised on the family farm near Bethany Missouri, the youngest child of Kenneth and Helen Youngman. He graduated with a B.S. in accounting from Northwest Missouri State University in 1982. In 1985 earned his J.D. from SMU School of Law.
Steve began his law career at Moore and Peterson, joining Weil Gotshal and Manges in 1989.
Steve’s practice was concentrated in the area of business reorganizations and debtors’ and creditors’ rights with a focus on the restructuring of companies in various industries, including retailers, distributors and finance companies. He led or had significant involvement in a number of the firm’s debtor representations, including American Airlines, CHC Helicopter, Endeavour International Corporation, Paragon Offshore, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., General Growth Properties, Vertis Inc., Silicon Graphics, Inc., and Greyhound Lines, Inc. He was involved in the firm’s representation of American Airlines’ acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Trans World Airlines. He also represented GE in various debtor-in-possession/exit loan transactions, including Mirant Corporation.
Steve’s passion was his work, but also enjoyed his Shelties, often calling home asking how the “girls” were. They were truly Daddy’s girls.
Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Denise. Siblings: Margret (Dan) LeBlond, Ray (Sylvia) and Lydia. Brothers-in-law Richard Bannister and David (Lori) Bickler and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, In-laws Richard and MaryAnn Bickler, sister Marilyn Bannister and nephew Kris Youngman.
Special thanks to friends William and Jennifer LePage and Luis and Cheryl Saldana. Also, Patty Kay, Steve’s administrative assistant of 22 years and Dr. David McCollum and the entire staff of Sammons Chemotherapy Infusion Department.
A memorial service will be held at the Northwest Highway Chapel at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, May 19th at 12pm with a reception to follow.