Stephen Craig Faris

Stephen Craig Faris

November 14th, 1945 – April 25th, 2026

Stephen Craig Faris, 80, of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He was the son of Richard E. Faris and Mary Frances Faris. Steve graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1963. He served four years in the Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Ord, California; and Seoul, South Korea. He is survived by his brother, Thomas B. and his wife Marian Gillam Faris of Springfield, niece Kristi (Faris) Fickert and her husband Ron, two great-nephews, Cole and Chase Fickert, nephew Matthew Faris and wife Amy, great-niece Margaret; step-niece Ellie Bonner, step great-niece and nephews Fallon, Dillinger, and Atticus Bonner; step-nephew Jeff Gochenour and his wife Courtney.

Steve was not just a remarkable and sought-after magician, he was a passionate collector of magical artifacts, an engaging lecturer on illusions, and a devoted teacher who inspired countless students to embark on their own magical journeys. His enchantment with magic began at just 10 years old when he first discovered the captivating world of magic tricks. This fascination blossomed further during fourth grade, especially when he wrote a book report on the legendary Harry Houdini. The timing must have been divine providence, as it coincided with the release of the exciting Tony Curtis film about Houdini in 1955. What started as a delightful hobby blossomed into a remarkable and successful career in magic, showcasing his enthusiasm and dedication to the craft.

After a brief adventure in college, Steve embraced a new chapter by serving in the Army, which included an impactful tour in Korea. Once his military journey concluded, he settled in Cincinnati in 1969, where he flourished over four decades. His career took an exciting turn when in 1973, he found his spotlight as Kings Island’s very first magician, transforming his passion into a successful career.

Kings Island, 1973

Steve's magic has captivated audiences nationwide from dazzling performances at industrial trade shows and state fairs to entertaining at theme parks, comedy clubs, and nightclubs coast to coast. By 1980, he became a beloved figure in Cincinnati's restaurant scene, enchanting patrons with tableside “close-up” magic, even serving as the house magician for the Cincinnati Playboy Club. His talents took him to the Knoxville World Fair in 1982 for an entire year of daily shows, and next to cruise ships for the Carnival Lines, where he entertained guests across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. In addition to performing, Steve co-managed a magic shop and taught executive magic classes, sharing his knowledge with aspiring magicians. Over the years, he opened for an incredible lineup of entertainers, including icons such as Ricky Nelson, Steve Martin, Frankie Valli, Martin Mull, and Sha-Na-Na. He also appeared on numerous regional and national television shows.

A true aficionado, Steve collected and dealt in vintage magic posters, unique magic apparatuses, and books. Steven also curated one of the world’s most prestigious magic collections; the Ken Klosterman Collection. He spent years serving Ken and his collection, including giving hundreds of personal tours of the collection, always delivering interesting stories tied to the individual pieces. More recently, he shared his passion by lecturing at historical groups and magic organizations on “The Golden Age of Magic,” inspiring a new generation of magic lovers.

Dr. Timothy Moore’s first vintage poster purchase from Steve, 1990

Steve always brought a delightful wisdom to his profession, saying, “We're in the exciting world of guarding secrets!” If you ask Steve what it's like to be a magician, he would say, “It's like robbing a bank —the trick is to not get caught.” He would always encourage aspiring magicians with valuable advice: “Instead of trying to master a hundred tricks at once, pick ten, dive deep, and really master those. Knowing a few tricks inside and out is far better than doing a hundred just halfway. Quality over quantity is key!”

In retirement, Steve moved back to his hometown, Hillsboro, where his passion for community shone through as he proudly served as president of the Highland County Historical Society and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2024. Steve was truly an inspiring figure dedicated to both his craft and his community. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, my friend.