Steve Escalante

Steven Brian “Steve” Escalante, age 65, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Nightingale Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia.  Steve was born September 2, 1960 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, the son of the late Benard and Jean (Bull) Escalante. Steve was a 1978 graduate of Broken Bow Oklahoma High School. He attended Central Oklahoma State University, Henderson State University, and Louisiana State University. Steve enjoyed golfing, antiquing, and reading, and most of all spending time with family. 

Steve served as a police officer most of his career. He served on the police forces of several Texas towns, the Clark County and Sebastian County sheriff’s offices in Arkansas, Director of Public Safety at Henderson State University, the United Nations International Police in Kosovo, a trainer to the Afghanistan National Police, and later in life he worked as a Health, Safety, and Environmental Specialist of ITX in Houston, Texas. However, the position he always found most gratifying was when he worked for the Arkadelphia Police Department as a School Resource Officer at Goza Middle School. Steve loved the students and the students loved and trusted him.

He will always be remembered for his aggravation, happiness, jokes, pranks, his love for gift giving, and his knack for connecting with friends and family in even the simplest of ways.  Steve was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Curtis, Arkansas where he previously pastored. 

Survivors include his daughter, Ashlyn Ryan Bardsley (Brandon) of Little Rock, his son, Steven Lucas (Luke) Escalante (Kiley) of Fayetteville, one bonus son, Nicholas Elliott (Chantal) of Conroe, Texas, his two siblings, Melinda “Meda” Pettie of Searcy and Stan Escalante (Cindie) of Arkadelphia, one granddaughter, Evelyn Escalante, one aunt, Edna Hewitt, one uncle, Marion Escalante, two nieces, Brandi Street and Lyndi Greenwich, one nephew, Chris Pettie, as well as numerous cousins and other family members. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Nightingale Health and Rehabilitation Center and Elite Hospice for their compassionate care.

Private family graveside services and Interment are planned. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Bardsley, Ellie Boydston, Jr., Nick Elliott, Carroll Elmore, Luke Escalante, and Phillip Escalante.

Arrangements are under the direction of Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.