Stephen Hiram Flood Jr.

Stephen "Steve" Hiram Flood Jr. passed away in Yuma, Arizona on Thursday, January 24, 2013. He was born in Yuma to Stephen Hiram Flood and Ruth Cramer Flood on June 23, 1922.

His attendance at Arizona State University was interrupted by World War II, when he became an U.S. Army Air Force pilot, flying P-38's. After the war, he returned to Tempe and received a degree in Business Administration. He married Alma Giacoma in July 1948 and moved to the Yuma Mesa where he had drawn a homestead. In the early 1960s, he became interested in the Medjool date after this variety of date was introduced into the Bard Valley. Farming was embedded in his soul. At 89 years of age, at his family's urging, he finally retired from farming his Gaymar Medjool Date Gardens. Steve believed in giving back to his community. He was an active member of the local Farm Bureau, the Yuma County Fair Board, the Assistance League of Yuma, and St. Francis of Assisi Church. He was also a 20-year 4-H leader for the Yuma Mesa Jackrabbits. He had an attitude of gratitude and, above all, he loved his family.

Steve is survived by his son, Stephen Edward (Mary Ann); daughters Marilyn (Peter Woods) and Gayle (Rick Cassidy); grandchildren Meghann Flood Kahabka (Cory Kahabka), Stephen Brandon Flood, Rebecca Woods Siesco (Aaric Siesco), Allison Woods, Sydney Woods, Carter Cassidy; great-grandchildren Ella Kahabka, Lucas Siesco and Jason Siesco; toy poodles Gaby and Mitsy.

The family will hold a private celebration of his life. Many thanks to Leticia Perez, his caregiver during the final months of his life