Colonel Steven Elliott Field U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), age 88, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on September 22, 1937, in Greenville, South Carolina, Steve answered the call to serve his country in 1958, earning his wings of gold in 1960. He served 3 combat tours in Vietnam as a medevac helicopter pilot. Over a distinguished 27-year career, he served as a pilot, logging thousands of hours in flight and completing tours of duty, including deployments overseas and numerous stateside assignments. His unwavering leadership earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (3 times).

Steve retired from active duty in 1985, but carried the Marine Corps core values of honor, courage, and commitment with him every day of his civilian life. His Master’s degree in Economics from Central Michigan University as well as his undergraduate studies at Georgia Institute of Technology helped pave his passion for teaching. Steve taught as an Adjunct Professor at the College of Business at the University of West Florida for several years. His love of flying led him back to the corporate side of aviation, where he flew for over 2 decades for several Pensacola companies.

Faith, family, and love of country were forefront in everything he believed in and lived by every day. Steve loved working on cars, boats, and playing his harmonica. He was passionate about traveling and visited every US state in his RV with his wife and with many trusted dog companions. Steve had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a smile on his face.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Julian Luther Field and Gearl Jentoff Field; and siblings Susan Field Goodlett and Rodney Julian Field.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol Ann Morthorst Field; his children, Liz Field Payne (Ron), Eric Field (Kelly), Michael Field (Brittney), Bridget Field Vavricka (Michael); his grandchildren, Tyler Payne, Brandon Payne, and Garrett Field; and his sister, Carolyn Field Hall (Steven).

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, starting at 11:00AM, with Fr. Hank Lech serving as celebrant.

A Committal Service with full military honors will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:30AM. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 9:45 am on Wednesday to line up for procession to the cemetery, departing at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Angel Flight or Patriot Paws.