Maj. Stephen George Barati

Major Stephen George Barati (Steve) passed away on September 1, 2021 in Conroe Regional Hospital due to Covid-19 complications. He was 80 years old, just shy of his 81st birthday. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia to George Barati of Gyor, Hungary and Nell Newland Pettus (Helen) of Marsh Fork, West Virginia. He joined the military in 1958 and fought two tours in Vietnam with the 1st squadron, 9th Calvary of the 1st Calvary division. Maj. Stephen Barati is a highly decorated US Army Helicopter Pilot with over 25 years of service for his country. He retired in 1983 from active duty, Ft. Riley, KS. Upon retirement, he spent a couple of years flying in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, he transitioned to fixed wing and continued flying throughout the years, some recreational and some part 135 mostly in single engine aircraft. In 2007, he joined the Civil Air Patrol and became a mission pilot. He holds a commercial, instrument, helicopter, and airplane rating.

His distinguished honors include:

Personal Awards of Merit:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star - 3 awards, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal - 2 Awards, Air Medal -33 awards, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal - 3 awards, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Medal two awards, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon - 3 awards, Vietnam Campaign Medal - 8 awards.

Unit Awards permanently awarded:

Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Civil Action Honor Medal, 1st Class

Badges:

Senior Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Marksman Badge, Rifle, Pistol, Machine Gun, Grease Gun, BAR.

He is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Nancy Fae Barati nee Pharis;

Children, with Cynthia B. Barati nee Brenna (deceased), Lisa Singer (Barati) and her husband Scott of Midland, GA; Tanya Barati Roberts and her husband Michael of Midland, MI; Garrett Barati and his wife Sophorn of St. Lewis, MO; and Mia Barati of Norcross, GA; grandchildren, Aryn (26) and Jordan (24) of Midland, GA; Nicholas (21) and Julia (19) of Midland, MI; half-sister, Donna Barati Guillory and her husband Keven of Berkeley, CA; cousins, David Bitzer of New Carrollton, MD; Scott Hankla, Frankfort, KY; and Ren Hankla, Perryville, KY.

Step children, Sherrel Jackson Wiser and her husband Mark, Danny Jackson and his wife Gemmizell, James Jackson and his wife Lisa; step grandchildren, Scott Wiser and his wife Katie, Ashley Stohel and her husband Zachary, LaDonna Sawyer and her husband Evan; Danielle Wilson and her husband Justin, Heather McCreight and her husband Dusty, Jenny Ramsey and her husband Scott, and Alexys Maksym; 14 great grandchildren.

Step grandchildren from previous marriage to Carolyn Barati (deceased), Andrew Craw and his wife Heather, Brandon Craw, and Janine Langstraat.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 beginning at 1:00pm at Northside Baptist Church, 701 North FM 3083 Road West, Conroe, Texas 77303.