Steven Walter Bulla, 70, born August 2, 1955, passed from this life and on to the next, on December 16, 2025.
Born in Newport Beach, Calif., Steve was the son of the late Roy Bulla and the late Audrey Vaughn (Née Russo), who later made their homes in Arkansas and California, respectively.
Steve is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lori Bulla, who loved him deeply; his son Casey Bulla; his step‑daughter Debbie Robbins and son-in-law, Mark Robbins; his brothers Larry (Angela), Gary (Theresa), Randy, Chris (Terri), and David Bulla; and his sister Elizabeth Bulla (Danny). He also leaves behind three grandsons, one granddaughter, one great-grandson, and his nieces and nephews, each of whom he was very proud.
Steve loved his animal family as fiercely as they loved him, and there was never a dog, cat or creature in his home that didn’t know they were adored.
Steve lived a life overflowing with action and adventure; in his early years, Steve enjoyed Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, playing at the Gulley on a raft, catching lizards and camping trips with his family. As a youth, Steve excelled on his swim team and was a fierce competitor in water polo. During high school, Steve was Student Body President, honing the leadership skills that would serve him throughout his life. As an adult, Steve’s love of adventure included body surfing, skiing, whitewater kayaking, four‑wheeling through the woods, sailing on his beloved sailboat, and traveling across the U.S. and the world. If it had movement, speed or the potential for a good story later, Steve was in. Vacations to any beach were always welcome and usually focused on finding the best body-surfing waves on whichever island he happened to visit. One of the highlights of his travel was the trip that he took with his son Casey, to Thailand.
In his later years, Steve grew the most beautiful peonies, sunflowers, zinnias, and blackberries — all of which he photographed with the skill of someone who truly saw great beauty in this world.
Steve was also an unapologetically devoted fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks — in any sport, at any time. Those who knew him can only hope the afterlife has a big screen, and an up‑to‑date scoreboard.
Steve graduated from the University of Arkansas and spent his professional life helping others build theirs. He specialized in Human Resources at Levi Strauss, Shell Energy Company, and Baker Hughes as well as owning Management Recruiters of Fayetteville, — for more than a decade — a place where his honesty and directness were not only appreciated but relied upon.
Steve’s strong principles, and unwavering honesty, made him one of the most refreshingly authentic people on this planet. When Steve shared an opinion, it was conveyed passionately and with conviction. And usually including a few expletives and hand gestures.
Along with his honesty, Steve was a loyal friend. He cherished friendships beginning from his childhood to present, that lasted his entire lifetime.
A service celebrating Steve’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Beards Funeral Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Rd., Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Visitation at 1 p.m. until service-time at the funeral home on Monday.
The family encourages those attending to bring their best stories, their warmest memories, and perhaps a Razorback color or two in his honor. Steve believed life was meant to be lived fully, honestly, and without pretense — and that’s exactly how he’ll be remembered.