Stephen Kirk January

Stephen Kirk January, 64, of Waco, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023.  Visitation will begin at 4:00pm, Monday, May 22, 2023, at Waco Memorial Funeral Home, 6623 S IH 35, in Waco.  A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30pm, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Crestview Church of Christ, 7129 Delhi Rd, in Waco, with a private family graveside to follow.

Steve was born December 17, 1958, in Waco, to Edsol and Rita January. He graduated from LaVega High School, where he excelled in baseball. On June 17, 1977, he married Alice Pendley. He attended Baylor University in 1977 and 1978 while working for Safeway Stores, Inc. He was put in the Management Training Program and was promoted to Assistant Manager in 1984.

He and Alice operated their own cleaning business for several years. In October of 1988, Steve joined the Waco Police Department Training Academy.  He spent 23½ years with the Waco Police Department and earned many commendations. The most notable was his Medal of Honor award.

In April of 2012, he retired from the Waco PD and joined the McLennan County District Attorney’s office as an investigator for 4 years. In May of 2016, he was hired by Sheriff Parnell McNamara as a Captain. Steve spent time supervising patrol, working courthouse security, Criminal Investigation Division, MHMR Unit, and the “Cold Case Unit.” He was then promoted to Chief Deputy by the Sheriff, and he served in this position until his death. He had a Master Peace Officer license with the state of Texas.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edsol and Rita January and brother, Jackie Lynn January.

He is survived by his wife, Alice January; mother of their granddaughter, Jamie Cox Machec; sons, Brandon January and wife, Megan, and Blake January; and grandchildren, Kynlie, Skylar, Parker, Maverick, and Legend.

A special thank you to Debbie McCoy, Chris Eubank, William Hitch, and hospice for their special love and care.