Stephen Francis Honaker

Stephen Francis Honaker, 30, of Altamonte Springs, Florida (formerly of Apopka), was unexpectedly called home to Heaven on June 15, 2017. He was born on May 19, 1987 to Mark and Peri Honaker in Atlanta, Georgia. After moving to Apopka, Florida with his family at a young age, Stephen attended Sanlando Christian School, Rocksprings Elementary School, Apopka Memorial Middle School, and then Apopka High School. During his senior year of high school, Stephen attended a private school, Spring Creek Lodge Academy, in Thompson Falls, Montana where he had family nearby. During Stephen’s school years, he was very involved in sports. He enjoyed baseball, swimming, water polo, soccer, and track amongst many other sports. He was a member of the symphony band and played trumpet as well as piano and guitar. He loved music and it was always a large part of his life. Stephen was very involved in Scouting. Throughout his young and adult life, Stephen was very close with his family, as family was important to him. He had close relationships with his cousins and many cherished memories made while growing up with them. Stephen was also very connected to his church, Sanlando United Methodist, while growing up. He was active in the Sanlando youth group and took several summer mission trips to help others learn about God’s love. After high school, Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy. He endured basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois and was first stationed in San Diego, California. During his time in California, Stephen added on new sports to his list of likes, included surfing and snowboarding. During his time in the Navy, Stephen was an H.T. (Hull Technician) as he had an engineer’s mind. He was assigned to the USS Comstock and then the USS Boxer. He traveled the world including Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Hawaii. His highest rank was Petty Officer. Stephen became a certified NDT (non-destructive testing inspector) during his time in the Navy, which led to his career later in life of being a quality control inspector on ships. While serving his country, Stephen was deployed twice, at times in combative waters. Those familiar with the movie “Captain Phillips” would be interested to learn that Stephen was actually aboard the ship in real life that saved the captain at the end of the film. He earned several medals during his service and was nicknamed “Mr. Fix It” for his ability to assist wherever needed. He was also a certified fire fighter while aboard ships, willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency. During his time in the service, Stephen purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a classic 1970 Dodge Challenger, both of which he was very proud of. After his time in the military, Stephen began pursuing a degree in Computer Science through Valencia. He was selected to be a member of the NSLS, an honorable scholastic fraternity. He recently became engaged in the body-building life style and enjoyed cooking healthy foods, running, and working out. He was preceded in passing by his grandfathers, Howard Francis and Bill Honaker. Stephen is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Peri Honaker; sister, Maggie Kiefer and her husband Russell; grandmothers Betty Francis and Kay Honaker; and a host of other relatives and friends. A private memorial service will be held in honor of Stephen. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in his memory to: ­­­Florida United Methodist Children’s Home at 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725-8135.