On July 13, 2018, a beautiful Texas day, Stephen Mark Ludwig left this world surrounded by his beloved family sharing remembrances, love, and even laughter – a final beautiful gift to his loved ones that only his indomitable, fun-loving and generous spirit could do at such a time. Described as an "unapologetic cowboy" by others, Stephen never met a stranger and loved to talk and joke with everyone he met. A jokester and storyteller, Stephen described himself as a "natural born salesman" which led him to a 30-year career as a service salesman in the overhead crane industry, with the last 18 years being at OMi Cranes in the Dallas area.

Born on January 31,1956 in Houston, Texas, Stephen was the oldest child of Phillip Ludwig and Joyce Ludwig Copeland. Stephen graduated from Cy-Fair High School in 1974. He was an accomplished auto racer in his youth, winning many awards. A true Texan, Stephen also enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles, and ranching - and all the comraderies that came with each. Raised in the Lutheran faith, he was a devout Christian and family man.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father Phillip Ludwig and step-father William Copeland. Stephen leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Patricia (Patti) Shaw Ludwig, daughter Aaron Ludwig Davis and husband Dustin, daughter Andrea Ludwig, son Travis Hage and wife Sarah Naylor, and grandchildren Jarrett, Landon, and Aubrey Davis.

Stephen also leaves behind his beloved mother Joyce Copeland, brother Brian Ludwig, sister Susan Ludwig Dietrich, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and in-laws including father-in-law Phillip Shaw.

The family will receive friends Friday July 20, 2018 from 5:00 - 8:00 at Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd, Houston, Texas 77065

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday July 21, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, 15235 Spring Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429. Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Hage, Dustin Davis, and nephews Glen Ginsel, Ryan Ginsel, Nathan Dietrich, and Austin Turner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas.