Steven Edward Littrell, 72, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away on June 10, 2026, after a courageous and difficult battle following complications from heart surgery.

Born on September 9, 1953, in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, to Jimmie Lawrence Littrell and Norma Lee Wheeler, Steve grew up with a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and the simple joys of life. On November 27, 1982, he married the love of his life, Nancy Lauener, at First Southern Baptist Church in Del City, OK — beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures.

Steve dedicated 47 years of his career to KOCO-TV, where he worked as a Master Control Operator and Maintenance Engineer. His professionalism, technical skill, and easygoing nature earned him the respect and friendship of countless colleagues. He retired on September 9, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and camaraderie.

A passionate collector of Frankoma pottery, Steve's enthusiasm for the craft led him to co-produce a videography on Frankoma with his dear friend and fellow collector, Gibb Green. His curiosity, creativity, and love for preserving history were evident in all he pursued.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Norma Littrell, and many beloved fur babies who brought him joy over the years. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Lisa Lapsley; his brother, David Littrell and wife Lisa; and many cherished nieces and nephews. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Services

• Viewing: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 1:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., with family present from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 North Asbury, Bethany, OK.

• Celebration of Life: Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Rose Hill Burial Park, Woodsbrook Phase 4, 6001 Northwest Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oklahoma Humane Society, (okhumane.org/donate); Oklahoma Historical Society (okhistory.org/support/giving); and Oklahoma Heart Hospital (okheart.com/research/make-a-donation). To share a memory or condolence, or to read the full obituary, please visit mercer-adams.com.

Steve was not only my partner in life but also a kind, generous soul who touched many hearts — including those of family and friends we met along our earthly journey. His love, laughter, and gentle spirit will remain with us always.

Steve's Retirement Speech:

Good afternoon, KOCO family. Before I share my thoughts today, I'd like to begin by telling you a little about my own family — a story that stretches back more than a thousand years.

Our family name, Luttrell, dates to around 870 AD. We came to America in 1759, and over the centuries, my ancestors have been part of some remarkable moments in history. Family records show that in 1774, my ancestor Thomas Luttrell signed a document that laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence — two years before the famous 1776 signing. Another ancestor, John Luttrell, purchased large portions of land in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee in 1775. Across the ocean, there's even a town in Ireland named Luttrellstown.

I was born in September 1953 at Mitchell Field Air Force Base in Long Island, New York — the same airfield from which Charles Lindbergh took off in 1927 on his historic flight to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis. My father, Jim, was a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, a pilot who served in the Korean War and in the Philippines.

My great-grandfather, Columbus Edward, was a rancher in Wetumka, OK who experimented with electricity, using 6-volt car batteries to power lights. My grandfather, William Edward from Holdenville, OK, ran his own drilling company and once played baseball with Jerome "Dizzy" Dean and his brother Paul.

My father, Jimmie, was a geologist from the University of Oklahoma and a lifelong friend of T. Boone Pickens, also from Holdenville. Both my dad and my uncle Tommy played football at OU alongside All-American Bobby Jones. My cousin, Seth Littrell, was a starting fullback on the 2001 OU National Championship team and now coaches at the University of Tennessee. And as a fun fact — Coach Bob Stoops and I share the same birthday, September 9th.

Growing up, I loved baseball and played throughout grade school and junior high. Coaches once told me I had the potential to play in college or even professionally. But after a rotator cuff injury and breaking both ankles in motorcycle racing, that dream wasn't meant to be. Still, the lessons I learned from sports — teamwork, discipline, and resilience — have stayed with me for life.

After high school, I went to work in the oil field with my dad at his oil field trucking company. I usually did the hardest, dirtiest jobs there were to do — because my dad didn't believe in favoritism for his sons. It was tough work, but it taught me life lessons I've carried ever since: give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. My grandfather and father instilled in me the spirit of hard work and integrity.

I later attended broadcast school, earned my First Class FCC License, and started in radio — which eventually opened the door to television. I worked in transmitter maintenance and operations, and by 1976, I had already worked at three radio stations and one TV station in Wichita, Kansas. In January 1976, while working at KAKE-TV in Wichita, I may have crossed paths with David Evans, Director of Engineering at KOCO TV in OKC — what a small world.

I joined KOCO in July 1976 at the age of 22. Today, Chris Lee, KOCO TV Photojournalist and I are the only ones left from the old building at NW 63rd and Portland, before KOCO moved here (1300 E Britton Road, OKC) in 1980. Some of the best times were during the McCain Brothers Show, which once drew a 50 share audience. I've met two U.S. Presidents here — Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The hardest time was covering the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, but it was also when the Oklahoma Standard was born.

I'm a simple man. I have little use for words without action — because in life, it's actions that count. If I had one wish, it wouldn't be for money. I would ask for wisdom, patience, compassion, and forgiveness. I've learned that life is about 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I say that I didn't have any talent left that I used up everything God gave me. I try to look for something positive each day, even on those days when you have to look a little harder. The most significant action in a person's life is a decision to harbor a good attitude. Right attitudes produce right actions. Arthur G. Lewis wrote: "It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the fight in the dog that wins."

In closing I will share my favorite poem:

"Footprints in the Sand"

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

Scenes from my life flashed across the sky,

In each, I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints;

other times there was only one.

During the lowest times of my life

I could see only one set of footprints,

so I said, "Lord, you promised me,

that you would walk with me always.

Why, when I have needed you most would you leave me?"

The Lord replied, "My precious child,

I love you and would never leave you.

The times when you have seen only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."