Stephen Charles Hines

Stephen Charles Hines, March 7, 1948 – June 30, 2024

 Born in Alva, Oklahoma, to Janney Bee and Keith Eugene Hines, Steve was a devoted father, loving family man, and passionate animal lover. A pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, he was known for his warm heart, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community. 

In 1950, the family moved to Canyon, Texas, where Steve was raised and went on to college earning a B.S. in Industrial Arts from West Texas State University (1979) as a devoted Kappa Alpha Order fraternity member. During this time, he also operated his own small business Steve Auto Parts in Canyon (1973-1979) and served on the Canyon City Commission (1976-1979). After interning at Texas Instruments (1979-1981), he went on to roles at McQuay-Norris, Champion, and TRW (1981-1997). He also ran Meier Works, a gunsmithing business, and a gun shop (1987-1991). 

In 1991, Steve moved to New Mexico for TRW, where he invented a new Automatic Rifle (AR) style grip beginning his legacy of ERGO Grip by starting Schines Company (1998), securing his first patent (1999), and establishing Falcon Industries (2001). Steve holds 26 patents and leaves behind a legacy of innovation. 

Steve married the love of his life, Barbara Zinn (February 1986), and she remained his devoted wife and constant companion until she passed away July 2, 2020. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 34 years, Barbara; his parents, Janney Bee and Keith Hines; his sister, Sondra Lynn King; and his brother, Michael Eugene Hines. 

He leaves a legacy of loved ones and is survived by children from his first marriage to Mary Alice Bennett: Brett Hines (wife Wendy), Mira O’Connell, and Amanda Hines. His grandchildren include Mira’s son Xavier O’Connell, and Brett’s children Aqua, Nathan, Sarah Widerski (husband Drew and their daughter Fern), Joshua, Ariel, Evelyn, and Daniel Hines. Steve was also devoted to Barbara’s two daughters, Vickie and Amanda along with his grandchildren Ben, Jacy, Liam, Anika, Conan, and Gwendolyn, and great-grandchildren Luke, Blakely, and Emery, and Barbara’s niece Jennifer, her great-nephew Josh, and his son Jameson. 

A service officiated by Rev. Chris Enoch will be held at First Methodist Church, 1818 4th Ave., Canyon, TX, on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. Stephen Charles Hines will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love for his family, and for being the gentle giant that he always was. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorial Donations can be made on behalf of Stephen to the Dementia Society of America, Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 USA