Stephen Herbert Romines, of Mountain Grove, died at home on Jan. 23, 2022. He was born on Dec. 31, 1941 to parents Herbert W. Romines and Patricia J. Shannon Romines and lived in Mountain Grove for most of his childhood and youth. Following high school graduation, Steve attended Washington University in St. Louis and graduated from the University of Missouri Law School in 1966. He had the opportunity to work as legal counsel in Washington D.C. for several years, first for the Federal Aviation Administration, and then for the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, headed by the late Missouri Congressman Richard Ichord. In the early ‘70s, Steve moved back to Mountain Grove, setting up a law practice, and later joining his father at Home Building & Loan Assoc. In 1990, the savings and loan transitioned to First Home Bank and Steve became managing director. Throughout his career, he enjoyed his leadership role and working with a great team to serve the Mountain Grove area, as well as several other communities in southwest Missouri. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Patricia Romines, and his brother-in-law and bank colleague, Peter Medlen. He is survived by his loving partner, Judi Marah-Kemp, of Mountain Grove; a brother, Joel Romines and sister-in-law, Patricia, of Bend, Ore.; a sister, Jane Medlen, of Springfield; two nephews, Adam Romines (Kelley), of Driggs, Idaho, and Robin Medlen (Maggie), of Springfield; two nieces, Shannon Hames (Dylan), of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Emma Medlen (Emmanuel), of Kansas City; a cousin and his wife, who were also close friends, Don and Barbara Romines, of Houston; as well as a number of relatives and long time friends. Steve’s presence in our lives is greatly missed. A remembrance of Steve’s life will be held on a date yet to be determined. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Mountain Grove Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, care of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.
