89, of Florissant passed away September 2 at his residence. Born in Crane, Missouri, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. at age 20 in December of 1940. He was stationed at Hickham Field during the Pearl Harbor attack. At the time, he was training to be a tail gunner in a Marine Corp. Douglas SBD Dive Bomber. He saw action at Midway, Guata Canal, and other historic World War II battles. While serving in the Marine Corp., he also served as a crew chief on a Douglas R4D Transport, flying such distinguished military figures as the Marine Corp. Commandant and Admiral Chester Nimitz. He also served with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. After serving our country for 25 years, he retired from military life to work in the private sector. He was known as “Steve” by all his friends and co-workers as a logistics specialist at McDonnell Douglas Corp. for 18 years before retiring again in 1982. Steve was married to his wife and best friend, Ellen, a registered nurse for 61 years. His daughter Antonia, “Toni” Stephens of Chicago, IL was able to spend treasured time with both Parents when not flying for The Boeing Company. He is also survived by a son, Robert P. Stephens and daughter-in-law Dr. Kathleen N. Stephens of St. Pete Beach, FL. His only grandson, Brent W. Stephens is a sophomore at the University of South Florida, and recently completed Officer Candidate School for the USMC, making his grandfather extremely proud!

The family expressed their gratitude and love to Theresa Kirkland for her superb kindness and care. A special thank you to Sharon Johnston for all her hard work. Thank you to BJC hospice for their help in the final days.

Steve’s favorite pastime was playing golf with his best friend of 30 years, Col. Charles Barnett, USAF Ret.