HALL, Donald Stephen "Steve", 67, went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2012 in Tampa, Florida after a long battle with cancer. Cele-bration of Steve's life will be held Wednesday, December 19, at Idlewild Baptist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM and the service will begin at 11 AM with Pastor Ken Whitten officiating. Interment will be in Kansas at a later date. His family wishes to acknowledge the excellent treatment and care received at Moffitt Cancer Center by Drs. Edwardo Sotomayor, Bryan Bognar and their staffs. Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joy, and their two daughters, Allison (Domenick) Siciliano and their one year old daughter, Hadley, of Tampa, and Holly (Jim) Coble of Birmingham, Alabama, who are expecting their first child in January. Steve was born in Wichita, Kansas on June 25, 1945. He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy, Ft. Hayes, Kansas. While attending High School, Steve operated his own barbershop. The revenue from cutting hair paid for flying lessons and plane rental. Before getting a driver's license in Kansas, Steve had earned his commercial pilot's and instructor's licenses. He also found time to be the head of the drill team and played organ for Sunday services at the school. While attending Wichita State University, Steve worked at Rodden Airfield demo-piloting planes for his mentor, Rip Gooch. Upon graduation, Steve began teaching in the North Kansas City school district. On the first day of his teaching career he met Joy who would become his wife on December 19, 1970. For their honeymoon they flew a plane to Mexico City that would only turn left. Steve loved to fly. He began delivering planes internationally 45 years ago in Wichita, Kansas. He moved his family to Tampa in the early 80s and started his own ferry pilot business, Wings of Eagles, named from the scripture in Isaiah 40:31. During those years, Steve delivered planes and touched the lives of people all over the world - across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and South America. His selfless nature and adventurous spirit were seconded only by his devotion to his family and his faithfulness to Christ. Steve belonged to Idlewild Baptist Church, where he is remembered as being eternally optimistic, faithful, diligent, and committed to his family, work and faith. The men of his Bible Study group were a great source of inspiration and he loved them tremendously. During Steve's bout with cancer, his business continued to run smoothly due to the devotion and hard work of his office and airport staff and skilled crew of pilots. This year, Steve's company was featured on the Weather Channel in its own show, "Plane Xtreme", produced by Spectrum Productions. Steve's love of people and youthful spirit will be greatly missed by many but, perhaps most of all, we'll miss his funny, exciting and often preposterous stories. In lieu of flowers, you may send a contribution to Moffitt Cancer Center or Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa, Fla. To view the service, go to: http://www.idlewild.org/watch/live.htm
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve has gone to his great reward and I can only break out in a great big grin when I see him before the Lord and Steve says, "Did I tell you about..." He is dearly loved and missed by many. I am so fortunate to have known and worked for him.
Dale McNair
January 1, 2013
A great pilot and friend who was true to his word. Godspeed, friend.
George Jung
December 23, 2012
To the family of Steve Hall. I maintained a close relationship with Steve from childhood until his passing. We communicated by phoone or email on a constant basis.I very proud of our last contact at Fun N Sun this year. Steve always referred to me as his mentor and I as his friend. My condolances go out to the family.
U.L. "RIP" GOOCH former Rowden Fild owner and retired KS State Senator
December 22, 2012
What a wonderful man. I was blessed to call you my friend. You will be missed on this earth and I so look forward to seeing you in heaven.
Geary Jarrett
December 20, 2012
We mourn the loss of a good freind and pilot extraordinaire. We have wonderful memories from the Rawdon and Kansas City days. After all these years, we still tell Steve Hall stories!
Bob & Donna Becker
December 19, 2012
He was a good friend enjoyed working with him
Axel Horton
December 19, 2012
Steve's family, I grieve for your loss. I have many very good memories of the experiences Steve and I shared at Rawdon Field. God Bless.
Norman Tramba
December 19, 2012
My love and prayers are with you Joy, Allison & Dom, Holly & Jim. Steve always made me smile and now the memories he has given me will continue to make me smile. I love you all. God Bless.
Linda Kerr
December 19, 2012
Joy, no words except I am so very sorry for your great loss. Steve was a great guy. So many great memories of you and Steve. Praying for all
Doreen Blair
December 19, 2012
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