Steven Jock Pilarsh, age 56, died unexpectedly at home on August 2, 2025, in Lorain, Ohio.

Born on May, 22, 1969 in Lorain, Ohio, Steve was the son of Leonard "Jock" Pilarsh and Judy ( née Tackett) Pilarsh.  He grew up in Lorain, Ohio, graduating from Grace Baptist Christian School in 1986.  He married Missy (née Ward) his high school sweetheart on August 20, 1988. Steve enlisted in the Army National Guard serving in the Reserve Unit from 1986 to 1992.  Steve worked as a machinist at Markall Products in Cleveland and then at Avon Bearings in Avon until he left that occupation to begin to work solely in ministry.

At the age of 14, Steve surrendered his life to Christ when he accepted him as his Lord and Savior. He felt and accepted the call to preach at the age of 15 and although circumstances and choices kept him from that originally, he did begin teaching teens at his church in Elyria, Ohio at the age of 25. Steve, along with his wife and children moved to Monroe, MI in 2002 when he accepted the position as Student Minister at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.  He loved, served and ministered to that congregation for 11 years (2013) before leaving to work on his health.  In 2014, he began pastoring at Bluffton Baptist Church in Bluffton, OH.l where he loved, served, and ministered to the congregation there. Unfortunately due to his health he had to retire early in 2020.

Steve spent the majority of his life as a Pastor, dedicating his time and energy to preach, teach and lead others. Many of those years he specifically worked with youth, giving many a safe place to have fun and learn. Steve loved to preach, teach, and disciple. Steve loved woodworking, euchre, music, and was always ready to have a laugh with those around him. Steve will be remembered by many as a man of faith, his kindness, and a friend who could be relied on.

Steve is survived by his children Katie (John) Sublette of Lorain, OH and Joshua (Bell) Pilarsh of Novi, MI, Missy his wife of 36 years, his parents Jock and Judy Pilarsh of Oberlin, OH, siblings Terri (Larry) Campbell of Amherst, OH and Jeff (Michelle) Pilarsh of Elyria, OH, and of course his beloved dog Dobby. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. And his beloved Lucy Lou crossed the rainbow bridge and it broke his heart.

Memorial Service will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church 46485 Middle Ridge Rd, Amherst, OH 44001.

Friends may call from 11 AM -1 PM with service to follow immediately at 1 PM with Pastor Roy Southerland from Lambertville Community Church officiating.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Andras Crematory & Funeral Home, Lorain.