JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — John Stephen “Steve” Charton,

73, of Jefferson City, Mo., formerly of Little Rock, died Sunday, February 9, 2020, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

Steve was born January 7, 1947, in Rogers, Ark., to James D. and Jimmie Dean Charton. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School and attended Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Central Arkansas. He was a Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Navy. Steve was a member and sang in the choir of First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City. He was formerly a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Steve was a Certified Association Executive. He served for several decades as executive director and lobbyist for multiple trade and professional associations in Arkansas and Louisiana. He also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. In addition, Steve served on the staff of Arkansas Secretary of State W.J. “Bill” McCuen and on the early campaigns of future U.S. Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas.

Steve is survived by his mother, of Columbia, Mo.; daughters Heidi Charton of Little Rock and Brooke Wilkes of Katy, Texas, and son Mark Scott Charton of Little Rock; and grandsons Dylan Morton of Brenham, Texas, and Preston Wilkes and Jackson Wilkes, both of Katy; brothers J.J. Charton of Mandeville, La., and Scott Charton of Columbia, and sister Donna Charton Smith of Jefferson City.

A family memorial service will be held in Arkansas at a later date. Arrangements are by Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home of Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe St., Jefferson City, Mo., 65101, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, 3210 North Ten Mile Drive, Jefferson City, Mo., 65109.