John Eugene Steyne

AFCM John Eugene (Gene) Steyne, USN (Ret) passed away on June 15th, 2023. He was 83 years old. Born in Iowa City, IA he was the 5th of ten children born to John Arthur and Mayme Blanche Steyne. After growing up and dancing around (one of his favorite things to do) in Cedar Rapids, IA, the next important chapter in his life began when he was a young man of 17 and decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy (USN) in 1957. Little did he know that this chapter of his life was going to last 23.5 years, with intermittent stops in San Diego, CA (Boot Camp – 1958); NAS Memphis, TN (1959-60); NATTC Norman, OK (1960); NAS Corpus Christi, TX (1960); NAS Brunswick, MA (1961-1963); NAS Pensacola & NTC Corry Station (Pensacola) FL (1963-67); NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (1967-70); NAS Cecil Field (Jacksonville), FL (1971-74); NAS Pensacola, FL (1974-77); NAS Sigonella, Sicily (1977-79); and finally his last stop being NAS Jacksonville, FL (1979-1980). Between 1977-80 he was temporarily appointed and held the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 before retiring. During all of this service, he obtained his High School Equivalency Diploma (1971); and his Associate of Arts College Degree from Pensacola Junior College (1974). While going through the Navy school in Oklahoma, the next but more important chapter of his life began when he met Helen June Cherry (thru mutual friends) and the rest is history (which lasted 62 years). John Eugene Steyne and Helen June Cherry tied the marriage knot on March 01, 1959 in Gainesville, TX and renewed their marriage vows in the Catholic Church on August 22, 1964 in Brunswick, ME. Shortly after starting their married life together, they welcomed three sons into the world - Scott, John Jr, and Jeffery. While making sure that three active boys got to school, baseball games (also coached them), bowling leagues, and many more activities while serving in the US Navy, he also started a second career after retiring from the service by being a Government Civil Service employee at NAS Pensacola, FL and Warner-Robins Air Force Base, GA that lasted 17 years before retiring again. Once retired, they returned to Pensacola, FL, calling and making it their permanent homestead. After settling into the retirement years he began the life of the spoiling grandpa (or Paw Paw) to all who filled the role of grandson(s), granddaughter(s) and great grandchildren. That role involved long, fun trips to Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Iowa (+ many other places too), embracing the traveling RV lifestyle. To all, he was Father (Dad), Grandpa (Paw Paw), Brother, Uncle, but equally important, Friend to all that knew him and enjoyed his company. While he has now left this earth, he’s gone to heaven to take care of Mamaw (Helen) (or maybe the other way around, where she is taking care of him) and Scott who has been waiting for him as well. Survivors include: John E. Steyne, Jr (Jane); Jeff Steyne (Jamie); Grandchildren Nicholas Edward Steyne, Kimberly Anne Steyne, Kiera Irene Steyne, Krystal Colleen Woodard (Roger), Micah Daniel (Wanda) Hallman, and Misty Dianne Kiker (Jerry) and seven great grandchildren. Gene is predeceased by his parents, four sisters, his bride Helen and his 1st son, Barry Scott Steyne. Thank you to Homestead Village and Emerald Coast Hospice. Graveside Interment will be held at 10:30AM, on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL. All family and friends are welcomed to attend. Please arrive at Faith Chapel North at 9:15AM for a procession to Barrancas National Cemetery. www.fcfhs.com

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John Eugene Steyne

January 30, 1940 - June 15, 2023