Stephen Hall Holliday

In honor of the legacy of Lt. Colonel Stephen Hall Holliday, United States Air Force (Retired) - a devoted husband, accomplished engineer, decorated officer, and lifelong patriot.
Stephen was born on September 17, 1946, in Washington, DC, the son of Colonel John Hall Holliday and Marian Swanson Holliday. As the child of a career Air Force officer, Stephen grew up with the worldview, adaptability, and resilience that come from life as a military dependent. His early years took him across the globe - from Hawaii and Japan to England, Washington D.C., San Antonio, Texas, and several other places that broadened his perspective and helped shape his character. He graduated as a member of the third class at Randolph High School, located at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas - a fitting milestone for someone destined for a distinguished career in aerospace and service.
In 1964, Stephen enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where his academic excellence quickly became apparent. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, with honors. That same year, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force and was named a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force ROTC program. He was a proud member of both Sigma Gamma Tau, the National Aerospace Engineering Honor Society, and the Arnold Air Society, the Professional Honorary Service Organization for the Air Force cadets.
Stephen served his country with integrity, intellect, and dedication for nearly 22 years. His career spanned a variety of technical and leadership roles - from aeronautical engineering to managing complex defense projects. His duty assignments took him to the Space and Missile Systems Organization at Los Angeles Air Force Base, to headquarters at Air Force Systems Command in Andrews AFB, Maryland, and to several critical posts at Vandenberg AFB, California. Through every post, his professionalism and competence earned the respect of peers and supervisors alike. His decorations reflect that commitment: the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one device, and two unit awards. He also completed advanced military education at the Squadron Office School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Defense Systems Management College's prestigious Program Manager Course.
After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in July 1991, Stephen transitioned seamlessly into the civilian sector, bringing his leadership and technical expertise to Jacobs Engineering, where he served for ten years as an operations manager.
Beyond his professional life, Stephen was a man of intellect and quiet passions. He had a lifelong love of history, a deep appreciation for literature, and a special fondness for model trains - hobbies that reflected his curiosity, attention to detail, and reflective nature. In later years, Stephen faced profound medical challenges, enduring the effects of transverse myelitis and ataxia with grace, courage, and steady resolve that defined his character. Through it all, he remained surrounded by love - most notably from his devoted wife of 43 years, Janet Faulhaber Holliday, who cared for him with unwavering compassion until his peaceful passing at home on October 21, 2025.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his son, Greg Webster; his daughter, Tamara Webster Miyao and her husband, Tom; and grandsons, Henry Miyao, Colton Webster, and Preston Webster.
Stephen will be laid to rest on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery - a fitting tribute to a life lived in service, honor, and quiet excellence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Foothills Golden Retriever Rescue.
The Holliday family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers at Pruitt Hospice Care for their compassion and support.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Stephen with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".