Stephen Ray Likens

Stephen Ray Likens, 68, passed away February 2, 2018 after a seven-month, courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Steve was born in Warsaw, Indiana on March 10, 1949 to Josephine Estella and Colonel B. Likens and was raised in Pierceton, Indiana. Passionate about music at a young age, Steve's first vocal performance was for a radio station at age three. He began studying piano at eight years old. Steve graduated from Pierceton High School in 1967 and continued his education at Manchester College where he performed with an A Cappella choir and began playing trumpet in jazz and symphonic bands. Steve received a Bachelors degree in Music from Manchester University in 1971. He taught at public schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana, played for the Philharmonic, and performed back-up for several famous musicians (Sonny and Cher, the Bee Gees, and others) at the Coliseum before moving to southern California in 1974 to pursue his love of music.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, Steve played trumpet and piano and performed vocally in (both) various bands and as a solo act. He worked for cable networks Showtime and HBO and his beautiful, soulful voice has accompanied a multitude of entertainers in the film and music industries. In 1980, Steve began selling Steinway & Sons pianos and worked closely with performers, educators, administrators, retirement communities, restaurants, churches, hotels, nightclubs, and cruise lines, upgrading pianos in various settings. Steve is affectionately known as "The Steinway Guy," assisting the most famous pianists of our time in selecting and placing pianos in major performance venues nationwide. Steve was most recently employed as the General Manager of Fields Pianos in Santa Ana, California.

For over thirty years, Steve performed at the exclusive Jonathan Breakfast Club on Tuesday mornings. He was recently honored and remembered for his contribution and dedication to the private social organization. Steve treasured performing with the Maestros at various local events, such as the Rose Bowl Parade, and served on their board. He also enjoyed performing with Tom Sullivan's Dixieland Band annually on the Fourth of July. Steve's musical talent, keen sense of humor, infectious laughter, and bright smile was treasured (and will be greatly missed) by many.

Steve resided in Cerritos, California at the time of his passing. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Colonel. He is survived by his older brother, Dr. Gene Likens of Clinton Corners, NY; his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Eloisa, of Cerritos, CA; daughters Meegan Fournier (Casey) of Indianapolis, IN; Natalie Pavlovski (Steve) of Torrance, CA; and Jackie Covarrubias (Danny) of Rialto, CA; five grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a plethora of cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends.

Visitation is on Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery (4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, California 90630) and a funeral mass will take place on Friday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church (18708 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701). Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral on Friday. A lunch reception will take place at Steve's home in Cerritos following the burial.