Steven James Duckett, 37

Steven was born in Lakeland, FL to James and Cheryl (Begley) Duckett. He was a sensitive, compassionate, and a mischievous young man who loved to make other people happy.

He spent his childhood in Norman, Oklahoma and returned to his birthplace in Lakeland, FL after his father retired from the USAF. Steven loved spending time with his family, helping others, and joking around.

Steven was a loving son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a prankster and had a keen sense of humor. At family gatherings you had to watch your phone, because if he got hold of it, he would do pranks like change it to a foreign language or set the alarm clock for 4am without you even knowing it! He was also a Gamer and loved to stay up all night playing Xbox with his Dad.

Steven enjoyed bowling, Taekwondo, exploring new places, music of all kinds, the beach and traveling. He always wanted to give things to his nieces and nephews and looked for ways to make people happy. During the day he would teach his nieces and nephews how to play the Xbox and guitar. He loved entertaining them and never told them no. He loved his dog Zeus, loved to eat, and loved the Disney villains. He collected keychains, coins, hotel key cards, Pokémon and My Little Ponies.

Steven was courageous, fighting COVID-19 for several months. During the final weeks of his life, many family members were at his side continually loving him and sharing wonderful memories. He passed peacefully with family members by his bedside. We were blessed that God gave him to us for 37 wonderful years!

He was predeceased by his grandparents James & Ruth Duckett, Ernest & Wilma Begley, and his sister, Jaymie Duckett. Steven is survived by his parents Jim and Cheryl Duckett, his sister Jessica and her family: Christian, his nieces, Kayleigh and Raelynn, and his nephew Aiden, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Victory Church Chapel, 1401 Griffin Rd. Lakeland, FL 33805.

Arrangements are being made for him to have his final resting place in Bushnell National Cemetery. It will be an honor to be laid to rest with the men and women of our great country who have served in the military like his father. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.