Lawrence County and surrounding area mourning loss of Gunner Stepp

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Lawrence County and surrounding counties are mourning the loss of 11-year-old Gunner Stepp.

He was a fifth grade student at Blaine Elementary School who fought a long battle with illness that kept him in hospitals for weeks and sometimes months at a time.

Stepp loved fishing and some noticed his constant smile and made note of him always giving a thumbs up.

In a press release from Lawrence County Superintendent Katie Webb, she stated that the entire Lawrence County Schools family is heartbroken by this loss.

“To know Gunner was to love him,” stated Webb. “His strength, his smile, and his courage touched everyone around him. We are grateful for the time we were blessed to have him in our schools and in our hearts.”

Many people came to know Gunner through social media updates and prayer chains throughout many states, churches and groups.

He won the hearts of every one who kept up with him before and after his liver transplant and cheered him on.

“This has been a long and courageous battle with illness, and he is finally at peace,” stated Webb. “We especially lift up his devoted family-his mom and dad, his brother and his sister-who have walked this difficult road with grace, faith, and unwavering love. Their strength and their steadfast hope have inspired our community in ways that cannot be measured.”

Friends of the family set up a GoFundMe page with a $10,000 goal for funeral expenses that was met within hours of making it. However, the goal was set higher to help with the costs of getting a memorial stone/marker.

Donations can also be given directly to Wilson’s Funeral Home.

Gunner was the son of Brittany (Horn) and Jason Stepp. He is survived by a brother, Conner Stepp; and a sister, Reagan Stepp, all of Catlettsburg.

Gunner’s service will be 1 p.m., Friday, June 20, at Smokey Valley Enterprise Baptist Church, Louisa. Visitation will be after 5 p.m., June 19, at the church. Burial in Pack Cemetery, Louisa.