Steven Craig Estes

Steven C. Estes, age 68, of Jacksonville FL passed away on April 20, 2021. He was born in Rantoul, Illinois to the late Helen and Dick Estes. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenny, and his ex-wife Jane. The third of six sons, he is survived by his brothers Jeff (Rhonda), Mikel, Jay (Dian), and Jon (Diane). He is also survived by his daughter Stephanie Estes.

Steve graduated from Rantoul High School, where he played football and wrestled. He was selected to attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he played center on the football team in 1971 and 1972. The day after graduation in 1975, he and Jane Morris were married. Steve then went to flight school in Pensacola and earned his wings as a fighter pilot. He served on aircraft carriers including the America, the Nimitz, and the Independence, flying a wide variety of aircraft. His favorite was the F-14 Tomcat, which he taught other pilots to land on carriers.

After leaving the Navy, he moved to Jacksonville and worked with Mayor Ed Austin on projects such as United Way and the effort to bring the USS Saratoga to Jacksonville as a museum. In 1995 during the Bosnian crisis he worked for NATO in Italy. Later he used his engineering degree working for Southeastern Mechanical Services in construction. Before retiring in 2014, he enjoyed selling cars at Mike Shad Ford.

A graveside service will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, on May 15, 2021 at 11am. Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to Riverside Presbyterian Church.