Steven Bradley Payte, 55, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on September 13, 2026. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1971 to Linda and Jerry Payte, Steve moved with his family to Arkansas in 1972. When he was six, the family relocated to Arizona, where he developed a lifelong interest in art, from sculpture to pen-and-ink drawing.

After graduating from high school, Steve returned to Colorado. He worked in the coal mines on the Western Slope for many years before making his way to Aurora, CO in 2017.Steve met his wife, Sheila, in 2018, and they married on October 25, 2020. 

Together, they opened a business selling his artwork.A gifted artist, Steve found his greatest joy in creating. His talents ranged from painting to wood carving, his latest passion. His artwork touched everyone who knew him and will remain a lasting legacy. 

He will be deeply missed by many. Steve is survived by his wife Sheila, his mother Linda, brother David, sister Tammi and brother-in-law Skip, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry.