Stephen Mills Cain

Major Stephen Mills Cain, born January 10, 1953, in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away from glioblastoma on December 28, 2025.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Maxwell Cain and Sherley Cook Cain, and brother-in-law Scott Schoenbaechler.

He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 46 years, Phyllis Schoenbaechler Cain; his children, Pamela (Clay) Smith and Alex (Kerrie) Cain; his treasured grandchildren, Braedon and Bryce Smith, and Kora, Maggie, and Grace Cain; all who brought him endless pride and joy; his siblings, Karen (Dan) Blum and David (Pam) Cain; sisters-in-law Paulette (Rick) Roberson and Tamara Schoenbaechler; and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Steve was a graduate of the Valley High School Class of '71. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and his MBA from National University.

Steve proudly served his country as a Major in the United States Air Force, flying as an Electronic Warfare Officer on B-52 aircraft. Later, he served as Head of the ROTC program at the University of South Alabama, where he mentored and guided young men and women toward lives of leadership and service.

After his military career, Steve continued a life of service, directing transportation logistics for several large school systems. The work he found most meaningful, however, came later when he led the aeronautics programs at Shawnee High School and Bullitt County ATC at the Bullitt Central High School campus. Teaching was not just a job for Steve - it was a calling. He took particular pride in helping students from across Louisville and southern Indiana, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, discover confidence, discipline, and possibility through aviation. Many of his former students have gone on to become active commercial and private pilots, and credit Steve with changing the course of their lives. His greatest reward was seeing them succeed, and many stayed in touch with him for years, often reaching out to thank him.

A devout Catholic, Steve's faith was a quiet but constant presence in his life. It shaped how he loved his family, served others, and faced both joy and hardship-with humility, steadiness, and grace.

Above all else, Steve's heart belonged to his family. He was deeply devoted to Phyllis, his partner in all things, and his greatest delight came from his two children and five grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure.

Steve spent his life caring for others-through military service, education, mentorship, and lovingly tending to elderly family members. He lived with integrity, kindness, and purpose, leaving a legacy of service, faith, and love.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and especially by those whose lives he helped lift-both on the ground and in the sky.

His funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5433 Johnsontown Rd., followed by burial at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway.

The family would like to thank U of L Brown Cancer Center, Hosparus of Louisville and the Palliative Care team at Baptist East Hospital.

Donations can be made to Hosparus of Louisville or your favorite charity.

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth…"