Steve Bakos

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Stephen Bakos, Jr., age 72, of Wyandotte, Oklahoma went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on August 16th, 2025.

Steve was born on June 16, 1953, to Stephen, Sr. and Ann Bakos in Lynwood, California.

He graduated El Rancho High School in 1972 and was later drafted into the United States Navy where he served for four years.

On June 2nd, 1973, Steve married the love of his life, Lorie Franklin. She survives. He is also survived by his four children; Todd Bakos (Vicki) of Joplin, Sheri Trotter (Jeff) of San Diego CA, Jes Bakos of Tulsa OK, Michelle Lewis (Daymon) of Pea Ridge AR., and seven grandchildren; Braeden, ClearSky, Makena, Olivia, Caleb, Ayden, and Hennessey. He is also survived by his sister Patti Bakos, Miami OK

Steve was preceded in death by his father; Stephen Bakos, Sr., his mother; Ann Bakos, and his sister; Beverly Catalano.

Following his honorable service, Steve moved to Pico Rivera, California, then made the move cross country to Wyandotte Oklahoma in 1986.

He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, papa, brother, and friend.

Steve’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the many lives he touched. Steve’s passion was evangelism. He began working with Way of the Cross Ministries in 1991, then went full-time from 1997 through 2002. Then he began working as a missionary to Nicaragua with the Messiah Project until he retired in October of 2024. He was instrumental in helping World Missionary Press translate a Bible in the Miskito language for the people of Nicaragua and helped lead countless people to the Lord.

He will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in knowing he is now in the presence of Jesus.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21st, 2025, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made out to The Messiah Project in care of the mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory