Stephen Joseph Corkern, 73, of Huntsville; passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home, in Huntsville. He was born Wednesday, October 1, 1952, at Denver, Colorado; to Doris Elaine Hart. Steve married Terry Lynn Hefner on Monday, September 26, 1983, in Huntsville, and together they raised four children, Tracy, Kimberly, Jimmy, and Joseph, with love and devotion. He faithfully served his community as Police Chief of the Huntsville Police Department for many years, dedicating his life to protecting and caring for others. He carried a strong sense of duty and quiet leadership, earning the respect and trust of those he served and worked alongside.
Steve had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors, where he felt most at peace and most himself. Whether he was deer or turkey hunting, casting a line in quiet waters, bowhunting, camping beneath the open sky, or floating along a familiar river, he found joy in every moment nature offered. The outdoors was not just a pastime to him, but a way of life, one he embraced wholeheartedly. He especially cherished sharing that passion with others, taking great pride in teaching children about hunting, passing down his knowledge, and instilling in them a respect and appreciation for the natural world. He was a loving, kindhearted, and deeply loyal man. Above all, he found his greatest joy in his grandchildren and family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Hart. He is survived by his wife, Terry Corkern, of the home; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Barry and Janice Corkern, of Little Rock; and Larry and Linda Corkern, of Fort Smith; one sister, Toni Valle, of Oceanside, California; two daughters and one son-in-law, Tracy and Junior Ramirez, of Huntsville; and Kimberly Drumwright, of Bentonville; and two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jimmy Corkern, and Joseph and Kathy Corkern, all of Huntsville. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Brashear's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Brashear's Funeral Home with Todd Thomas officiating. Pallbearers will be Mike Livermore, Dan Riveria, Josh Herring, Olen Thompson, Brent Owens, and Brad Owens. Interment will immediately follow services at Alabam Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.