John Stephan Loquist

John Stephan (Steve) Loquist entered eternal rest with his Savior on Friday, August 14, 2020. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020 at Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, officiated by Rev. Dr. George D. Crow III. A private interment will be held prior to the service.

Mr. Loquist was born in North Henderson, Illinois on May 10, 1940 to the late Roy Lawrence Loquist and Marie Fairbanks. After graduating from Alexis High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA for 4 years. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and after a brief time of civilian life enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in August 1981 as a Master Sergeant serving as First Sergeant at Shaw Air Force Base, SC. He was a Viet Nam veteran.

Mr. Loquist met the love of his life, Renatta Shadowen, in March 1967 and they were married in April 1968. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he began a second career as a car salesman that he enjoyed as he had a love of cars that began in his teenage years.

His greatest joy in life was his family and serving the Lord at Northeast Presbyterian Church. Steve adored his children, Brian (Joanie) Loquist, and Natalie (Kevin)Hayes and grandchildren Noah, Sam, and Griff Loquist, and step grandsons Jacob and Liam Hayes. He supported them in sports, attending every baseball and softball game that they played in, being their biggest cheerleader.

He loved his church family and serving the Lord in various capacities; Sunday School President and teacher, volunteer in Vacation Bible School, Congregational Care, Bus Driver, Greeter, and served as a Deacon and Elder and Elder Emeritus. He was a member of several men’s Bible Study groups. He always had a smile that captivated everyone he met. He served the community as a staff member at God’s Storehouse, Little League Baseball coach, and Block Captain of the Woodlands Homeowners Association.

He is survived by his wife, great love, and best friend of 52 years, Renatta Shadowen Loquist and son Brian Loquist of Columbia, daughter Natalie (Kevin) Hayes of Easley, grandsons Noah, Sam and Griff Loquist of Columbia, and stepsons Jacob and Liam Hayes of Anderson, sister Jeannine Patterson of Monmouth, Illinois, brother Rob Loquist of Monmouth Illinois, several nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Jenyth Shadowen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Garry Loquist, Richard Loquist, Mitchell Loquist, sister Sharon Milner, and daughter-in-law Joanie Shetterly Loquist.

The family wishes to thank home health aide, Francetta who faithfully helped care for Steve, the Veterans Administration Home-based Primary Care team, and Dr. Easterling; Dr. Prabhu and Columbia Home dialysis team for the compassionate care and support during Steve’s three-and-a-half year illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com