Mr. Steven R. "Steve" Stinnett, age 78, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in Kissimmee, Florida. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and veteran, Steve led a life marked by service, education, and a deep appreciation for history and travel.

Born on February 3, 1947, in Downey, California, Steve answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1964. During his four years of service aboard the USS Coral Sea as a Photographer's Mate during the Vietnam War, he enjoyed building morale as the ship's photographer and videographer. He demonstrated courage and commitment that would define much of his life.

Following his military service, Steve began a career with the State of California as a correctional officer and counselor in 1973. For fourteen years, he worked diligently in this role until 1987. Never one to stop learning or growing, Steve pursued higher education while working full-time and earned a Master of Arts in Social Science from California State University, Stanislaus in 1986.

In 1988, Steve transitioned into education—a field that allowed him to share his passion for history with younger generations. For two decades, he taught history at Mae Hensley Junior High School in Ceres, California; he especially enjoyed taking his students on annual educational trips around the world. His dedication to teaching left an indelible mark on countless students who benefited from his knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.

Steve was also an author; he chronicled his experiences and reflections in his book *Life of a Baby Boomer*, offering readers insight and inspiration into the unique journey of his generation through his lens.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve cherished time spent with family and exploring the world. He especially loved traveling on cruises—an experience that combined his love for history with new adventures across the globe. Whether studying historical events or setting sail to new destinations, Steve embraced life to the fullest.

He is survived by his beloved wife Brenda Stinnett of St. Cloud, Florida; daughters Becky Maholland and her husband Peter of Roswell, Georgia; and Tiff Comiskey and her husband Patrick of Denton, Texas. He was a proud grandfather to Donovan, Ethan, Ryan, and Brendan—each of whom brought immense pride and happiness into his life.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Joel and Mary Smith and his brother Bill Stinnett.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 5 to 8 pm at New Horizon Funeral Chapel located at 821 13th Street in St. Cloud, Florida (34769). A Mass of
Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 700 Brown Chapel Road in St. Cloud (34769). Burial with military honors will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:30 am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery located at 5525 US Highway 1 in Mims, Florida (32754).

Steve's legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a man who served with honor, taught with passion, traveled with enthusiasm, and loved deeply. May his memory bring comfort to all whose lives he touched.