NOTAM 09-2016 (Wallace) 04/24/2016

NOTAM Colonel Henry “Hank” Steadman, USMC (Ret.) Golden Eagle Emeritus

Dear Golden Eagles,

It is my sad duty to inform you that Henry “Hank” Steadman, Colonel, USMC (Ret.), 88 years old, of Gulf Breeze, Florida made his last take off on 24 April 2016 surrounded by his loving family.  Hank was born 9 June 1927 in Drew Mississippi.  After High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps attending Basic Training at Parris Island, SC. in 1945.
   
His first post was as a Ceremonial Guard at Marine Barracks, 8th and I, Washington, D.C.  He served with the Honor Guard on the 1947-1949 Freedom Train when top Marines were selected to attend to the train and its famous documents. Hank also was chosen to be a model for a USMC Recruiting Poster that was used from 1948 to 1964.

Hank earned his Navy Wings in November 1954.  Following Flight Training he attended Memphis State College, George Washington University and the University of Southern California.

He amassed over 4,000 flight hours in 27 different aircraft including jets and helicopters.  Hank served two tours in Vietnam, flew 500 combat missions, received two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit with Combat V, a Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

During his first Vietnam tour he was Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of HMM-361.  During his second tour he served as Commanding Officer (Papa Fox) of HMM-364, the Purple Foxes stationed at Marble Mountain.  Returning from Vietnam he served three years as G-3, 1st Marine Brigade, Kaneohe, Hawaii and in 1974 Commanded MAG-29.

In 1975-76 Hank attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and after Graduation was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps.  Upon retirement in 1978 he moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida and became a simulator flight instructor at Whiting Field.  He volunteered extensively at the Naval Aviation Museum and the USO at Pensacola Airport.  He was a Lifetime Member of the Optimist Club, and was a member of the MCAA Roy Geiger Squadron. He also was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling and playing volleyball.

Hank is survived by Lois, his wife of 66 years; his 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, Jack, Nicholas, and Nicholas.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Pati and brother Buddy.

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

Hank will be missed.
In sadness,
Howard DeCastro, Pilot