Stephen "Steve" Pahs

Born 08 June, 1928 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado to Stephen [Sr.] and Helen Pahs. Steve grew up in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Cathedral Catholic High School in 1946. Through the caring intervention and encouragement of one of his most beloved teachers—Sister Trez Martin, Steve applied to and was accepted at the US Merchant Marine Academy [USMMA] in Kings Point, New York. His maritime training began in San Mateo, California and during his second year he was assigned as a Midshipman to the destroyer tender USS SIERRA, where Steve realized his love of travel and experiencing other cultures with port calls in Fiji Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Steve graduated from the USMMA in 1950 [Class 50A] at the Rank of Ensign with a Bachelor’s of Science and accepted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant with the US Air Force; he attended flight training at Goodland Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, and followed on training at Reese AFB, graduating flight school with Class 52A; ultimately earning his “aircraft commander” rating Mather AFB in California in TB-50s. In 1953, Steve had earned a billet as an “instructor pilot” [IP] for B-47s at McConnell AFB. In 1955, he transferred from active duty to the Colorado Air National Guard [ANG] at Buckley ANG Base, where he flew the F-80, F-86 D & L variants and later the F-100C Super Sabre.

The same year, Steve transferred to the ANG. He was hired as pilot for United Air Lines—ultimately flying for 33 years—retiring in 1988. He made Captain in 1969; and his long and enjoyable career took him all over the United States to include Hawaii. He flew every aircraft in the company’s inventory: DC-6s, DC-7s, DC-8s, DC-10s; Boeing 727s, 737s and 747s; he was the “left seater” [Captain/aircraft commander] on all airframes save for the Boeing 747 which he only flew briefly. He retired as a veteran “left seater” on DC-10s.

Steve married Mary Jo Martin of Winterset, Iowa in 1970 and fathered one son—David. He integrated his love for numerous hobbies with his family life: repairing and driving classic cars; camping, hunting, fishing, and shooting skeet and trap. Steve enjoyed competitive indoor pistol shooting, coin collecting, and photography. Steve was an active and passionate member of multiple clubs, organizations and historical societies; most notably the Daedalians, Denver Posse of the Westerners Society, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Railroad Club and both the Moose and Elks Clubs. He and his family traveled extensively throughout the western United States visiting historical sites, re-enactments and living history museums. Soon after his retirement from United Airlines and the Air National Guard, Steve and his wife traveled throughout Europe to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria.

Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Jo, and his son, David Stephen Pahs. David is a Lieutenant Commander in US Navy; and is married to Jerian Betar of Altoona, Pennsylvania; they have four children: Catherine [18], Elizabeth [16], Martin [13] and Sophia [12].

Steve’s family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, some may wish to donate to the United States Merchant Marine Academy [Steve’s his alma mater].

https://www.usmmaaf.com/s/1175/hybrid/social.aspx?sid=1175&gid=1&pgid=385&cid=957&ecid=957