Col. John "Steve" Steven Brunhaver, USAF (Ret.)

Born in Augusta, Georgia, Steve spent his early years in Thailand, Panama, and Germany. These experiences shaped his deep appreciation for other cultures and lifelong commitment to service. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served in the Air Force for 30 years, retiring in 2011 with the rank of Colonel. A skilled pilot, he flew both C-130 and C-141 aircraft and later held senior leadership roles, including Director of the 618th Air Operation Center’s Global Readiness Directorate, Commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group in Djibouti, and Commander of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group in Kuwait. Known for his steady leadership, sound judgment, and deep care for those under his command, Steve helped shape global air mobility strategy and left a lasting impact on those around him.

Steve’s service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and many other commendations, awards, and campaign medals. These decorations reflected not only his excellence and valor, but also the dedication and moral clarity he brought to every mission.

After retiring from active duty, Steve began a second career as a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors in Illinois, bringing the same thoughtfulness and integrity that defined his military service. A lifelong learner, he earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, along with graduate degrees in national security, airpower, and computer resource management. He mentored others generously and led by quiet example in every chapter of his life.

Steve’s life was grounded in faith, enriched by curiosity, and sustained by love for his family. He was active in his church community, where he found spiritual connection and purpose. He reveled in the details of Civil War reenactments, model building, woodworking, and home brewing. He enjoyed friendly competition on the intramural soccer field, loved making pizza from scratch and playing laser tag with his children, and cherished getaways to Jamaica with his wife, Mary Jo. Most of all, he treasured time with his family, especially out on the lake, waterskiing under the sun.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Jo; his children, John and his wife Samantha, Brian, and Kathrine; and his sisters, Sally Brunhaver Burns and her husband Danny, and Rebecca Brunhaver Card and her husband Doug. He was the son of the late John Brunhaver Jr. and Jean Marie Larson. He is also fondly remembered by extended family and close friends for his steadiness, generosity, and gentle humor.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Ridgecrest Post-Acute, Hospice of the Valley, and the Phoenix VA Health Care System for the compassionate and attentive care they provided to Steve during his final years.

A memorial service honoring Steve’s life and service will be held on Friday, June 13, at 10:30 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. A celebration of life will follow at 12:30 PM at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Gilbert, where friends and family are invited to gather, reflect, and share memories together.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Steve’s memory to one of the following organizations: the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org/donate), supporting families affected by the illness; or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), honoring his lifelong commitment to fellow service members.