John S Toohill

John Stephen “Steve” Toohill, age 73, of Pensacola, FL, went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025, after an extended illness. Steve was born on May 7, I951, in Philadelphia, PA, the second child of nine children born to Thomas F. Toohill and Edith "Dee" Esling Toohill. The family moved to Menominee, Ml, in the mid-1960s and then to Holyoke, MA, where Steve graduated from high school in 1969. After graduation, he moved back to Menominee, Ml where he and three friends formed the band "The lnfinite Blue" and recorded several records. He loved music and was an avid guitarist. Steve served in the Navy for over 22 years. During that time he was stationed in California, the Philippines, and Florida among other places. He served during the Gulf War aboard the USS Paul F. Foster. During his military service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Battle "E", Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (5), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (3), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Steve loved his country and considered it a great honor to serve and protect with honor, courage, and commitment. He exemplified the Navy motto of "not self but country." Steve retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1998. After retirement, Steve continued to work as a civilian contractor at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. Steve was a long-time member at Gateway Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL where he ministered in the sound booth for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas F. Toohill, Jr. and Edith "Dee" Esling Grady; and brother, Thomas F. Toohill, lll. Steve is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Alice Bush Toohill; stepchildren, Justin Pena, Nicole Pena, and Danielle Pena; grandchildren, Keira and Naomi Simmons; siblings, Suzanne (Stephen) Dickinson, Catherine (Gary) Hogan, Joseph M. (Robin)Toohill, Margaret (Jeff) Proper, David M. Toohill, Elizabeth Toohill, and Lorraine Guerrieri. Pallbearers will be Jason Beasley, Kenley Brooks, Randy Brantley, Ray Brantley, Barry Cox, and Jeff Kestner. Demarius Baines, Robert Baker, Zachary Hoyle, Bill Spath, and Tony Uriz will act as Honorary Bearers. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with Pastor Wallace Nichols officiating. Family and friends will travel in procession to the graveside from Faith Chapel Funeral Home North at 12N. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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John S Toohill

May 5, 1951 - January 3, 2025