Richard Steven Selvey, 64, of Ft. Seneca, OH went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 due to an auto accident. He was born April 3, 1955 in Fremont, OH, the son of Richard I. and Joan (Herron) Selvey. He was a 1973 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School. Steve received a bachelor’s degree in education from Findlay College in 1977 and received a master’s degree in education administration from The Ohio State University. He then received a certificate for his superintendent license from Ashland University.
Steve married Laurie Smith on June 24, 1978 in Mansfield, OH and she survives. He was a social studies teacher at West Muskingum Middle School in Zanesville and then Norwalk Middle School. He became the assistant principal at Urbana High School and later became the principal at Mt. Gilead Junior High School. He was the Superintendent for Old Fort Schools where he retired in 2006. Steve was currently working as a Washington D.C. Tour Guide with Prodigy Student Travel in Worthington, OH.
Steve was a man of God with strong faith which he showed by being an active member and Elder of The Journey Church in Tiffin, OH. He enjoyed history, especially American and WWII. He was very patriotic and enjoyed reading, coin collecting and metal detecting. Steve was a fan of Cleveland Indians baseball and OSU football. He enjoyed the outdoors, yardwork, gardening and loved growing his pumpkin patch for the grandkids. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and loved his dogs, Toby and Decker. He was his children’s number one supporter by watching Bethany run and Doug coach basketball. His ultimate joy was spending time with his family.
Steve is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Laurie Selvey; Ft. Seneca, OH; daughter, Bethany (Ben) Sharrock, Lexington, OH; son, Douglas (Kimberly) Selvey, Wapakoneta, OH; grandchildren, Adria and Nathan Sharrock, Brantley Richard Selvey; mother, Joan Selvey, Tiffin, OH; sisters, Lynne (Jeff) Pocock, Bellevue, OH and Lori (Mike) Cramer, Tiffin, OH; mother-in-law, Evelyn Smith, Naples, FL; brother-in-law, Brad (Nancy) Smith, Glendale, AZ; sister-in-law, Lisa (Barry) Paul, Naples, FL; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; father-in-law, Marshall Smith and brother-in-law, Mark Smith.
Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Journey Church, 2531 S. State Route 100, Tiffin, OH 44883.
Service: Wednesday, December 4, 2019; 1:00 p.m. at the church with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Rev. Sam Wolfe will officiate.
Burial: Green Springs Cemetery, Green Springs, OH
Memorials: The Journey Church, Tiffin, OH
View Steve’s Memorial Video
Offer Condolences for the family of Richard Steven Selvey
Print Obituary & Condolences 
Julian Jobe
You were a massive positive influence in my life Mr. Selvey!
Stephan and LuAnn Bloomfield
Dear Family, We are so saddened to read about the untimely passing of Steve. We had so many great conversations in the days past when both our children were in school. And now it gives us the keepsake memories. We will be lifting all of you in our prayers for strength and stamina, in the days ahead. And may God lay His healing hand upon all of you giving you peace and comfort from the pain of your loss.
Blessings,
Stephan and LuAnn Bloomfield
Ron Ardt
Laurie, Bethany and Doug,
It is clear that Steve was a wonderful man, loving father, dependable husband, honest coach, compassionate teacher and faithful Christian!
The outpouring of love from those whose lives he touched is amazing!
Though, as a cousin, i never knew him as well as I would have liked because of the distance, I still knew, through Facebook, that he kept busy using his life to help others and depended upon the great support he received from Laurie, family and friends. He will be missed by all whose life he touched.
To be absent from the body does not mean he is gone, but just moved to Heaven! His Spirit and Soul live on and someday God will have the rest of us as Believers join him and rejoice in his race well run!
God bless your family during this time, not as others who have no hope, but as we rejoice in the legacy we share through Jesus Christ!
Our family sends our love and prayers!
Ron Ardt and all the Ardt Family
Don and Julie Wick
Our family has many fond memories of Steve. We appreciated his candor and integrity in all situations. We were deeply saddened to hear of his accident. May God sustain you in his comfort during these difficult days.
Bryce Arndt
I can say without a doubt that he left a great impact on my life both as an educator and as my basketball coach. I’ve always had tremendous respect for how he was able to teach and get through to kids whether he needed to be soft or show tough love, he always found the right way at the right time. In junior high I remember stopping by his office often just to say hello, I recall the Cleveland Indians sports memorabilia he had. (That was the era where the Indians kept getting to the world series but couldn’t close it out). I’ll always remember his genuine willingness to help the students any way he could. As my coach he pushed me to do better and not settle. I remember taking a drive up to Tiffin with him, Doug, and my father to watch a basketball game many years ago. He was a great role model and I’m certain he will be sorely missed by many. May his family have some peace in knowing how many lives he’s influenced for the better and knowing he lived life to the fullest.
Shelley (Sayers) Henry
I am so sorry for your loss. Doug was an amazing principal and person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Shelley (Sayers) Henry
Ron & Elaine Mertz
Lifting your family up in prayer for comfort and strength during this difficult time..God calls his chosen ones home when he is ready for them. Even though your dad is with our heavenly father and you know you will be together again this is so difficult. God will give you strength if you rely on him.
Prayers
Ron and Elaine Mertz
President Wapakoneta City Schools.
Ron and Amy Ragor
Laurie and family our hearts are heavy with this news. Steve was a wonderful man and great friend to us and our children. May God comfort you all in this sad time. Love Ron and Amy
Jerusha Dean
Laurie & family, we are so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. We loved Steve’s kindness, quick wit & his love for Jesus Christ. We pray for you & your family for God’s healing & comfort. Love, Jeri & Bruce Dean
Andrea Inverso
Doug, Mrs. Selvey, and family;
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Mr. Selvey while Doug was coaching my son at Danville. I always loved his passion for basketball and his unwavering support of Doug’s career. I don’t think he ever missed a game.
Doug, you are a great man and role model. I know you agree that you are who you are, in part, because of the unconditional love and support of your Dad. I know you will pass that on to your son as well. I lost my Dad, I know its hard. Always feel his presence. He is with you wherever you go and although it is not in the way you would like, that feeling will give you comfort during the most difficult times.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Andrea Inverso
sandy gragg
Laurie and Family I am so sorry for the Great Loss of Steve…I have great memories of him..Always a Great Kid…He was always so kind and had a heart of gold.. I am glad he was my cousin. He is special just like his own Father.. May God be with you and yours to bring you comfort..Love you all
Tammy Bryan
Steve was a wonderful man, will be miss, glad he was my cousin.
Mike and Kim Porter
We have so many good memories ofyour family at First Presbyterian in Mt Gilead, and were so grateful for Steve’s work with our kids at the junior high. We will be thinking of you.
Jami Hensley
Mrs. Selvey I am incredibly sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Selvey. Take comfort in knowing there are many praying for healing for you and your family.
Jami Zellner Hensley
Bob Fitzpatrick
Many of us here in Mount Gilead agree…best principal ever. Prayers from here.
Janet Agerter
Prayers to all of you! So so sorry, Steve was such a great guy and cousin, he will truly be missed!!
Robert Corey Dryfuse
I always loved talking to Cousin Steve about sports, schools, family, etc. He was a good man who mentored me when I first became a teacher. My grandmother used to babysit him has well. I am very sad and give my deepest condolences to Steve’s family on behalf on myself and my family.
Troy King
Prayers to the entire Selvey family from the Troy King family and the Cardington-Lincoln school employees that were blessed to have worked and known Steve. So sorry for your loss. God Bless to you all.
Tyler Schindley
Words cannot be expressed on what an amazing person Mr. Selvey was. I had the privilege to have him as my Jr. Principal. Was always an encourager and wanting to bring the best out in people. Always took the time to talk whenever you crossed paths. So many memories and will greatly be missed. Thank you Mr. Selvey for making an impact in my life.
Donald
Sorry about the loss he was a good prinapale at the jr high school in mt Gilead
Kathy and Ron Stout
Our sincerest sympathies to you and your family Laurie.
Roger and Nancy Hardin
So very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing; he made the world a better place. Our condolences to Laurie and family.
Katie Thompson
Springs & falls at Prodigy will not be the same without Steve’s booming “Hi Sweetie” greeting and his hugs. I enjoyed my time with him and will miss him so much. Laurie-I’m praying for you & your family and I hope I’ll still get to see you.
Heather Muller
Laurie,
Sending you and your family loving thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick and Laura Pearce
Praying for your family as you get through this loss. Steve was a good, good man—influencing many people as a teacher, coach, principal, friend. May God bless you.
Allyn Schnellinger
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Coach Selvey was a wonderful person who impacted a TON of lives. From his first basketball practice at Norwalk with us where he was brutally honest and told us “I don’t know much about basketball, but we’ll learn together”, we knew he was different. He demanded nothing but the best effort at all times and that mantra has carried me thru my life. He was an instrumental part in getting me thru a part of my life that was difficult. He was supportive and helpful. He was more than just a “coach” to me. He was my friend. As the years went by after high school, I continued to play basketball with other players who also played for him. We had a term that we used….we were “Selvey Disciples”. That meant that you gave max effort, never lost a battle and never gave up the baseline. We joked about it all the time. If a guy, who didn’t play for him, gave up the baseline, someone would inevitably yell, “He’s not a Selvey Disciple!”. I will miss him. But he will not be forgotten. I will continue to say prayers for you and your family.
Robin Schroeder
Beautifully said. Rejoicing and comforting knowing Steven loves the lord. Though he is absent from the body he is now present with the Lord. Praying God’s peace for all who knew him and loved him. Hugs my sweet Laurie.
Jackie Everly Kincaid
Mr. Selvey was such a great man and made a big impression on me. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with your family!!
Laura Goodwin
Laurie and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve was a wonderful man who touched many life’s .
Our heart go out to you all, wishing you God’s comfort at this difficult time.
Love and prayers, Chris and Laura
Vikki will
Laurie,I am so sorry for the loss of Steve. May God put his arms around all of you at this sad time. I know how much he loved you all. I will pray for you all. He was a great man, and it will be a great loss to your family. My he RIP!!
Ron and Marcie Burlile
We will so miss our precious brother in Christ! Laurie and family, we love you and pray for you in this time of sorrow. Steve will always be a shining light in our hearts and memories.
Anita Snow-O'Brien
Bethany,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, but I’m glad you can take comfort in knowing he is with the Father in Heaven.
Much love to you and your family during this time.
Carolyn Astle
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and loved ones.
Mike Fry
So Sorry to hear about Steve’s passing, he was truly a Great influence on people as a principal, coach,& friend. He excelled at getting the most out of his students!!!
Thoughts and Prayers
The Fry Family
Dave and Tracey Beckman
My heart is so heavy for all of us who loved him so much! This is a man who made a difference! He loved our Heavenly Father and I know the angel choirs are singing with. Joy for a life well lived and his welcome to his eternal home. He also loved his family and he will be forever missed in this earthly place! Laurie be strong and know your friends and family will help you through this very sad season. All our love,
Dave and Tracey
Alan Gordon
Selvey Family, I am at a loss for words. I can not express enough what Mr. Selvey meant to me and my classmates. I had the privilege of having Mr. Selvey as my junior high and high school principal. However, I was one of the few who also had him as a Sunday School teacher. He was always there to encourage and give guidance in a positive manner. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Fay Boes
So sorry to hear the tragic news of Steve. Your friendship to Toad and me means so much. Can never forget how you welcomed us into your home and life at church. Hugs to you Laurie. Praying for your family.
Terry Sager
Laurie and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close. With sympathy,
Jerry and Karen Webb
To the Selvey Family… we are so very sorry to hear of Steves untimely passing.. Our family has such great memories of him… our 4 kids all were positively influenced by him. We have some great memories of his guidance and care for all of his students. We lift you all up in prayer for peace and comfort in a life well lived. Jerry and Karen Webb and family.
Kim Miller
Laurie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult this time is for you and your family. I know it’s been a long time, but I have fond memories of working for you at Hayes.
Kim
Jim & Eli Selvey
Laurie & family,
We will both be missing Steve & are praying for God to comfort you during this shocking loss. Words are insufficient. He showed the power one’s life can make on the world.
Fred Miller Jr.
Doug & Selvey Family,
The Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Club will be keeping Doug and the extended Selvey family in our prayers and thoughts during this shocking and tragic loss.
Harold and Julie Pool
Laurie and entire Selvey family my prayers and deepest sympathy. Steve will be missed so much by the Prodigy family. When I met him 10 years ago he was my instructor on my first trip. He was so helpful I still use some of the things he told me on all my trips. He was a compassionate strong man. He loved all the kids. When we had trips together we always had conversations about family and life. We are all saddened by his passing but his legacy will live on as he had such a positive influence on kids and adults he came in contact with. May God wrap his healing strength peace and comfort to all of you.
Harold pool. ( HAP )
Janet Bechtel
Dear Selvey Family,
I have been praying for you often. I am terribly sorry for your loss.
Mr. Selvey was a wonderful, loving champion of students. He was much appreciated and loved when he served as principal of Lakota Middle School. Staff members still talk about him with a deep fondness. Knowing him was a blessing.
Casey Goff
Sending love to the Selvey family during this time. When I heard of this news I was completely in shock. A great man taken too early. I hope you all know Steve impacted the lives of so many people he crossed paths with. He was like a second father to me. Not just my junior high principal, a coach, or one of my friends fathers, but a father. I looked up to Steve as a child and student. I considered him a mentor when I became a young adult and especially when I entered the world of education. Steve coached me in baseball and basketball and always pushed his players to be the best they could be. As a principal he had high expectations for all his students. Some of my best memories were the road trips up to Cleveland Indian games while Doug and I were kids. Those memories, along with many others, will continue to stay with me for a lifetime.
Rachel Hale
Mr. Selvey was my principal in Mount Gilead. He was a good man. A very good man and teacher. When my grandfather passed he smiled at me and said he was in a better place and that he was so sorry to hear my loss. He said if I needed to talk his door was open. I will never forget that or the role he played in my life. He went out of his way to make students days brighter. I enjoyed seeing him everyday during my Jr high days. I am so sorry for the families loss. Prayers and thoughts go out to you at this time.
Read Shepherd
Steve and I were friends from our days on the playground at Noble School in Tiffin. We grew up together playing baseball, football, and basketball wherever we could find a field or a court. I’m touched by the number of former students offering condolences, and it’s clear that those men and women are his legacy. Steve was a friend for life, and he will be missed.
Tom & Anne Cotton
Sorry to hear such sad news. Great neighbors for too short of time. Prayers for all.
Jay Clark
Steve worked with our school during our May 2019 Washington, DC trip. While I enjoyed takking to Steve about the “business” of education, he was clwarly most passionate when working with our kids. When we shared this news with our community, a number of students who traveled with us last spring recalled Steve’s sense of humor and spirit he shared with us all.
Steve left quite a legacy – and we were fortunate to cross paths, even if it was only 3 days.
The hearts and thought of the Van Buren community are with you in your loss.
Terri Linstedt
I am so very sorry to hear this. My prayers and thought go out to Laurie and the family.
The Bach's
Our hearts are heavy for your loss! We are sending prayer and peace during this difficult time and have been thinking about all of you everyday since we heard the news. We will continue to lift you up in prayer. Steve will be missed by so many!
With love,
Chrissy, Rob, Mikayla and Andrew
Jeanette Gleba
Dear Laurie and family, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one! It is so difficult to lose someone so dear, but God calls us home when He is ready! In our faith, we believe all will be reunited with God! May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time!
Rachael Jay Columbus Grove Schools
Steve led my first D.C.trip last March. I couldn’t have had a better mentor. Incredible how well you can get to know someone in just 3 days, but he was that type of person. We shared stories of our families and his deep faith in God’s love. Chaperones from our other bus wanted to sneak over to our group just to hear his knowledge of the D.C. sites and memorials. Thank you for sharing him with countless kids who are better off for having known him ❤️
Jennifer Cybak Bickley
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know Steve on a couple of DC tours with Prodigy for Olentangy Berkshire MS. I always enjoyed the week with Steve and him sharing his history knowledge with our students. On the long bus ride he’d speak so fondly of his wife, family, and grandchildren. He’ll be missed. May warm memories of Steve help offer you some comfort during this difficult time. Sending prayers.
Lynn Elder
Steve will be greatly missed by all who traveled to DC with him as our guide. He was so good at his job and made you feel like he knew you forever. Our trip to DC last May was the best and our trip this year will just not be the same.
Kelly Robinaon
To the Family of Steve Selvey,
I had the privilege of traveling to DC for the past 10 years with Steve. In that time, he became a mentor and friend to me (and other bus 1 chaperones). I highly respected Steve as an educator and overall person. He spoke about his family so often on our trips, that I feel I know you all. He was so proud of his family! I am so deeply saddened by his death. I am praying daily for all of you.
Jim Picciuto
I worked with Steve at Bellevue High School. He was a class act and did things the right way. I really enjoyed working for him. Although I am much younger, we both talked about how we played football for Tiffin back in our younger days and how we both kicked. He would always bring that up in conversation with me. I can still hear him (clear as day) saying “Hey Buddy!” in conversation when he would see me. I have worked under many administrators in my time, but he was one of the best. I learned a lot from him.
Jim Picciuto
Rick and Susan Bailey
Laurie, Doug and Bethany…
Steve was an icon to all who knew him. It was a privilege to know him and the values he stood for. Our hearts are heavy for your loss.
Tim & Cheryl Hilborn
Laurie & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers! May the wonderful memories of Steve live forever in your hearts and minds. God Bless.
Ritch Parrish
It is with true sadness that I just learned of Steve’s passing. While we were not close, Steve was the tour leader on Bus#4 for Fairfield Crossroads Middle School earlier this year. He wasn’t good or great… he was magnificent with our students. He was knowledgeable; but more than that, he was kind, patient and caring. I truly felt at ease as he helped us work our way around DC because I knew, in my heart, my students were with one of the best. The students on Bus#4 absolutely adored him and his loss will be felt by all.
My thoughts and prayers, as well of those of Crossroads’ chaperones and students, go out to Steve and his family – he will truly be missed.
Jeff leimgruber
To Laurie and all your dear family… we were so shocked and saddened at the news of Steve’s passing. Such a great loss of a wonderful man. What a powerful impact he has had on so many. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with you all.
Jeff and patti
John Curtis
Laurie, Bethany, Doug and family,
Heartfelt condolences from the Curtis family. What an impact Steve had on our sons and the Mt. Gilead community! His passion for kids was evident in every conversation I ever had with him. How fortunate we are to have had such a great educator and role model for our children. So many positive memories of a truly wonderful man! Please know that so many of us impacted by this good and Godly man are praying for the Selvey family! Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
John, Debbie, Ryan, Kevin, Scott and family
Becky & Pat Drouhard
Pat and I have many fond memories of Steve and your family. He was a great man with a keen sense of direction for education, life, and God. We were deeply saddened to hear of his accident. May God sustain you in his comfort during these difficult days.
Dean Branan
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a friend that will never be forgotten. Enjoy heaven roommate. Prayers to family
David Snow
I had the privilege of working with Steve many times through Prodigy and I enjoyed each one of them immensely. We shared a passion for the game of baseball and although there was an age gap between myself and Steve he always treated me as an equal yet with a Fatherly touch and I appreciated that so much. On my last trip the first week of November I happened to see Steve sitting in the Sculpture Garden in DC while his kids were in the Smithsonian’s and I sat down with him and we talked for an hour. I am SO grateful for that memory and those final words with him. He was a great man and I can not express the impact he had on my life and how much I will miss him.
Jerry Miller
Candy just told me about the accident Laurie….. i offer my deepest sympathy.
Looking at all of these condolences, I can see that Steve had tremendous impact as a Principal, Teacher, Coach & most importantly as a Husband, Father & Grandfather.
Watching the video & seeing your wedding, reminded me of our growing up together at First English. Lots of great memories there & in school.
My best to your entire Family