Steven “Waxy” Len Weatherwax

Steven Len Weatherwax, “Waxy,” age 78, of rural Lafayette, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Despite the difficulty of his declining health, he charmed his care workers with warm smiles and occasional jokes, leaving behind memories of kindness and lightheartedness.
Born on October 30, 1947, in Linton, Indiana, to Robert J. and Betty Jean (Driscoll) Weatherwax, both deceased, Steve grew up with an appreciation for hard work, love of family and good friends, and the simple joys of life. He carried those values throughout his years.
After graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1965 at age 17, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for “three years, four months, and twenty-four days.” He worked as an aviation electrician aboard the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War, maintaining the legendary F 4 Phantoms.
Steve married Karen K. (Shoaf) Hicks on September 18, 1976, in the front yard of their rural Lafayette farmhouse above the Wabash River. They lived in that house for nearly 50 years.
Steve was a 55-year member of the IBEW 668 Electrical Union, having worked 40 years in the trade. He last worked as a project manager at Shambaugh and Son in Lafayette.
In retirement, Steve enjoyed the many camping trips he took with his kids and grandkids. Fishing became one of his greatest passions, leading him to lakes across Indiana and up into Canada. He shared these adventures with his uncle, brothers, a few cousins, and close friends. Three mornings a week, he could be found at the Office Tavern in Delphi, enjoying breakfast and conversation with his brother and friends.
Steve was a member of the American Legion Post 75 in Delphi and the Delphi VFW Post 9383. He served for many years on the Honor Guard.
Along with his wife, Steve is survived by his children: Eric D. Hicks (wife Kelly) of Lafayette, and Amanda K. (Weatherwax) Hamaker (husband Craig) of West Lafayette; and by his grandchildren: Kaitlyn Hicks of Lafayette; Shaun Cherry (wife Ashley) and James Taylor Hicks of Abilene, Texas; Evelyn “Evie,” Max, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hamaker of West Lafayette; Stephanie Richardson (husband Zach) of West Lafayette; Brandon and Nicholas Durnil of Lafayette; as well as two great-granddaughters, Scarlett Owen and Sophie Richardson of West Lafayette.
Also surviving are his brothers, Van D. “Deet” Weatherwax of Delphi and Brent J. Weatherwax of Lafayette; his sister, Nancy (Weatherwax) Seabolt of Lafayette; his uncle, James Driscoll (wife Patricia); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John T. and Pearl (Leichty) Weatherwax; his maternal grandparents, Offie and Roxie (Knight) Driscoll; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; his in laws, Max and Margy Shoaf; his sister in law, Julie (Morrison) Weatherwax; and a nephew, William Weatherwax.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 7, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 492, 4929 IN 43, West Lafayette, Indiana. An Honor Guard presentation will occur early in the evening. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 75 in Delphi or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in memory of Steve.
The family would like to thank those who cared for Steven so lovingly these past months: the staff from Home Instead—especially Christy—and the hospice nurses and CNAs from Paradigm Health, including Loren, Della, Shirley, Sarah, and Alexis. The family is forever grateful for the kindness and respect shown to Steven and to all who loved him.