Steven Ray Hoskinson

Steve’s 69-year journey is now complete and he is in the presence of the Lord. Steve passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025 with loved ones by his side. He was a Christian who loved the Lord. He attended Heath Church of Christ. Steve was a heavy equipment operator by trade his entire life. He was proud of the work he did, often pointing out the projects he’d helped build around central Ohio. He retired from Trucco Construction.

Steve’s first love was harness racing, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. From a young age, he was captivated by the thrill of the track and the bond between horse and driver. Whether he was cheering on his favorite horses or sharing stories, Steve always enjoyed time at the track with family. His deep connection to harness racing was a testament to this love for competition, skill, and the brotherhood that exists within the sport. He was also an avid sports fan.

He was a member of Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, and Ohio Operating Engineers Local 18.

Steve deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. We were recipients of his deep love. He leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren to treasure his memory, wife, Leslie; children, Leslie (Nathan) DeRolph, and Josh Hoskinson; grandchildren, Grace and Luke DeRolph and Jovi Hoskinson; nineteen beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; his siblings, Robert (Beth) Hoskinson and Rodney (Holly) Hoskinson; brother & sister-in-law, Jim & Jeanie Lusk, Mike & Annette Roberts, and Tom & Anne Kissner; and many special friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Leroy Hoskinson (1991) and Martha J. Hoskinson (2018); brother, Jeff Hoskinson (2020); mother-in-law, Patricia L. Roberts (2021); brother-in-law, Chris Rust (2019), and nephew Christian Kissner (2022).

The family would like to extend a special debt of gratitude to the following: Licking Township Fire Company, Dr. D’Anna Mullins, Dr. David Born, Dr. William Phillips, Dr. Kenneth Parker, the office Staff and infusion lab at Licking Memorial Hospital, and special caregivers from Hospice of Central Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to House of Hope for Recovery (Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Center), 825 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or through their website at hofhope.org.

Friends and family may call from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Hoskinson Funeral Home, 56 S. Main Street, Thornville, OH 43076.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, at the Heath Church of Christ, 1331 Chapel Way, Heath, OH 43056 with Rev. David Linn and Rev. Bob Cassady officiating. Burial will follow in Jacksontown Cemetery.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service, Thornville, is honored to care for Steve and his family.