Howard Stephen “Steve” Erdman, age 65, of Sanger, Texas, passed away at his home on January 5, 2026.

Born on December 10, 1960, in Richland, Washington, Steve was the beloved son of Howard and Sally Erdman. He spent much of his childhood in Vienna, Austria, where his father worked for the International Atomic Energy Agency. During this time, Steve attended the American International School. The family later returned to the United States when his father accepted a professorship at Texas Woman’s University, settling in Denton, Texas. Steve attended Denton High School, where he played offensive line on the football team, and continued his athletic and academic pursuits at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Eventually, Steve made his home in Sanger, Texas, where he met and married his wife, Cindy, and built a life centered around his family.

Steve dedicated his life to education and coaching. He began as a football coach in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD before moving to Denton ISD, where he spent the majority of his career at Ryan High School, with additional coaching at various middle schools. Following the birth of his daughter Haven, he found a role that allowed more time at home and joined the Denton Juvenile Detention Center as a Physical Education coach. He served there for 20 years, positively impacting the lives of countless students.

Outside of his professional life, Steve embraced a wide range of passions. He loved cooking dishes from around the world, smoking and grilling meats, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and reading fantasy and historical-fiction books. He had a keen eye for vintage tools, often exploring pawn shops to find tools, many of which he sold through his eBay business, where he was once a top seller. Steve had a deep love for animals, especially his dog Crystal, who heroically saved him from a house fire. A devoted pet parent, he spoiled his three dogs and cherished his grandkitty, often making pet snack trays and creating cat toys for them. Above all, Steve treasured time with his family and traveling. He particularly loved trips to Camden, Maine, where he spent countless summers, and cruising, with Alaska holding a special place in his heart.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cindy Erdman; his daughter, Haven Melott, and son-in-law, Lane Melott; a granddaughter expected in April, whom Steve was eagerly anticipating; his brother, Peter Erdman, and sister-in-law, Rebecca, along with their children, Alexander and Adelaide; his sister-in-law, Terri Patton and his nephew-in-law, Casey Patton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Sally Erdman; his beloved grandson, Rayan Erdman, who was stillborn and deeply cherished; his brother-in-law, Rusty Patton; and his parents-in-law, Richard and Verna Parsons.

Steve will be cremated, and no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. His family will honor and celebrate his life in their own meaningful way.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Steve’s memory be made to K9s For Warriors or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, two charities close to his heart and that he supported during his life.

Steve will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.