Stephen M. LaFary

Stephen M. “Steve” LaFary, a lifelong resident of Martinsville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning, December 25, 2025. Steve was 83 years old.

He was born in Martinsville on September 7, 1942, to the late Irvin and Doris (Balay) LaFary. Steve was a 1961 graduate of Martinsville High School and proudly served with the Indiana National Guard. He was the owner and operator of LaFary Salvage in Martinsville, retiring in 2004. Prior to that, he worked as a real estate broker.

Steve was a member of the American Legion Post 230 in Martinsville for the past 28 years. He will be remembered for always looking for the next item to add to his collection. Steve was a fan of Martinsville Athletics, Indiana University Sports and the New York Yankees. In his younger years, he enjoyed coon hunting and was always up for a good game of Euchre.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Bob LaFary.

He is survived by his wife, Karen S. (Watkins) LaFary of Martinsville, whom he married on September 5, 1970. Steve is also survived by his children, Carl (Angela) LaFary of Martinsville and Dawn Kindred of Martinsville; several grandchildren, especially Riley (Calvin) Rausch of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Libby LaFary and Jaylen Kindred both of Martinsville; and several great-grandchildren, including Kaydence Groves, Avani Pfaff and Fletcher LaFary all of Martinsville.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home, 179 E. Mulberry Street, Morgantown. A funeral service will be conducted by longtime family friend Phillip R. Deckard II at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville with military rites presented by the Martinsville American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guards.

Online condolences may be shared with Steve’s family at meredith-clark.com.

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