Henry Steadman

1927 - 2016

Henry W. "Hank" Steadman

1927 - 2016

Colonel Henry "Hank" Steadman, 88, of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away peacefully on 24, April 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Hank was born June 9, 1927, in Drew, MS. After high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served 33 years. His first post was as a Ceremonial Guard at Marine Barracks, 8th and I, Washington, DC. Travelling 33,000 miles around the U.S. with America's documents, he served as Honor Guard on the Freedom Train and was chosen to be USMC recruiting poster model. Following flight school, he attended Memphis State College, GW University, and the University or Southern California. During his career, he amassed over 5,000 flight hours in 27 different aircraft including jets and helicopters (his favorite); served two tours in Vietnam; participated in 500 combat missions; received two Silver Stars; a Legion of Merit with Combat V; Distinguished Flying Cross; a Purple Heart; and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. During his first tour, he was Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of HMM-361. During his second tour he served as Commanding Officer (Papa Fox) of HMM-364, the Purple Foxes, at Marble Mountain. After returning from Vietnam, he served three years as G-3, 1st Marine Brigade, Kaneohe, HI, and commanded MAG-29 in 1974. After graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. Upon retirement in 1978, he moved to Gulf Breeze, FL, and became a simulator flight instructor at Whiting Field. He volunteered extensively at the Naval Aviation Museum and the USO at Pensacola Airport, was a Lifetime Member of the Optimist Club, and was a member of the MCAA Roy Geiger Squadron. Hank was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling and playing volleyball.

Hank is survived by his wife Lois of 66 years; sister Juanita Murphy of Oxford, MS; children Mike Steadman of Atlanta, GA; Kathie Weiland of Reno, NV; Scott Steadman of Cary, NC; and Mary Beth Steadman of San Francisco, CA; as well as grandchildren Melissa, Michael, Kristin, Nicholas, Jack and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his daughter Pati and brother Buddy. Our heartfelt thanks goes to all the extraordinary caregivers at Nurse Spring, VA Home Based Primary Care, Regency Hospice, and Rose Lawn Funeral Home. Your kindness and loving care eased our pain.

A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 9:30-10:00 AM at St Ann Catholic Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will take place at 11:45 AM at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL A reception will be held following burial in the fellowship hall of St. Ann Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Little Sister's of the Poor, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, AL, 36604.

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