Steven Jon Ek

Steven Jon Ek passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Born on May 29, 1941, in Spokane, Washington, Steve lived a life rooted in service, discipline, and deep devotion to his family, community, and country.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Washington in 1963, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class Program. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he went on to serve as an infantry officer with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. His military service carried him across Okinawa, Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Phu Bai during the Vietnam era, followed by assignments at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and the Marine Barracks at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in December 1967.

Steve began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on October 7, 1968. Over the next 28 years, he served in Houston, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and ultimately Lake Charles, where he became the Senior Resident Agent. His work spanned fugitive investigations, bank robberies, interstate crimes, public corruption, civil rights matters, financial crimes, and foreign counterintelligence. He approached every assignment with the same steady sense of justice and integrity that defined his life.

Committed to lifelong learning, Steve earned his master’s degree in management from the University of Redlands in 1979. He had a sharp interest in the stock market and foreign currency trading and found joy in reading and playing golf.

Service to his community was one of Steve’s greatest passions. His longtime involvement in Kiwanis, often affectionately calling it his “second job,” allowed him to pour his energy into leadership, service projects, and building new clubs. His dedication was recognized with numerous honors, including Kiwanian of the Year (1991–92, 1995–96, 2004–05, 2008–09), the Tablet of Honor (1996), George F. Hixson Fellow (1997), and Walter Zeller Fellowship (2013).

Steve married Patricia R. Carroll on September 28, 1968, and they shared more than 40 years of life and love until her passing in 2009. On October 18, 2014, he married Anita S. Smith, with whom he shared a special companionship in his later years. He was a devoted father to Dagnye E. (Sean)Dore of Orland Park, Illinois, and Rika E. (Chris)Armentor of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was the proud “ Pops” to Hayden, Olivia, and Anna Armentor, McKlayne Ardoin, Violet, Raegan, Jack, and Riley Dore.

He was preceded in death by his parents David and Violet Ek, his brother Roger Ek, and his wife Patricia C. Ek.

Steve’s funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake St., with Msgr. Harry Greig presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service. According to Steve’s wishes, his body will be donated to the Tulane School of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the charitable organization of your choice.

Steve will be remembered for his honor, quiet strength, sharp mind, and unwavering dedication to every responsibility he accepted. He leaves behind a legacy built on character, faith, and service, one that will continue to guide and inspire those who loved him.

Semper Fi.