Merlin F. Stevens, Col USAF (Ret)
Colonel Merlin F. “Steve” Stevens – USAF Retired, passed away on March 8th, 2024. Born on February 4, 1938 in Estherville, Iowa. Steve grew up with seven other siblings, two of whom he is survived by: Lu Hoover (sister) and Ruth Trosin (sister).
Steve enlisted in the Air Force in 1956, climbing to the rank of Colonel prior to his retirement. In 1960, he attended flight school as a cadet in Lubbock, Texas. It was at this time, at one Hi-D-Ho drive-in, that Steve met the love of his life: Suzanne Coursey. The two were married in 1961 and proceeded to travel the world in support of his Air Force career, partaking in countless adventures – many of which involved a party. During this time in his career, Steve flew numerous aircraft in four separate tours with the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, serving as Wing Commander from November 1982 to October 1984. He retired in 1986 after serving with distinction for 30 years. In 2006, Steve was inducted into the 55th Wing Hall of Fame and cited as being an inspirational leader, role model, and motivator. In the nomination, his peers stated that, “his personal example motivated many who remained with, or returned to, the Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth to become another generation of leaders in the Wing. That is his most positive and lasting legacy.”
Steve had a great love of adventure: hunting, fishing, and flying. Even after retirement from the Air Force, he continued flying both recreationally and as a private pilot. His children and grandchildren have fond memories of flying in his Swift and tagging along to flight breakfasts. Additionally, Steve flew with the Commemorative Air Force and dedicated countless hours to the restoration of war birds, specifically the P-51D Mustang. He also worked with the SAC and Aerospace Museum on the restoration of the only EC-135C Looking Glass on display in the world, which held a special place in his heart as he spent several years flying the “Doomsday Plane.”
Steve was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne Stevens. He is survived by his children: Charles and Laura; grandchildren: Lauren, Erik, Taylor, and Reid; and great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Jackson, and Maddox. He was always happiest in the cockpit of an airplane, slipping the bonds of Earth. His family takes comfort knowing that Steve is once again flying free.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 Bellevue Blvd. South, Bellevue followed by Military Honors by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard.
To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/merlin-f-stevens-col-usaf-ret-gufcp1mcw9pvpq9msoks
The Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 10:00 a.m., at the Omaha National Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to SAC Air & Space Museum Restoration Project.
5 Comments
He loved to fly. We ate a lot of pancakes at fly ins and he loved to fly my plane. I remember pulling up beside a flock of geese
Over the Missouri on our way back to Papillon. The geese flew along with us until we had to speed up. A great man and friend
My fondest memory of Colonel Stevens or Sir (that was all I dare ever call him) was when he took me on my first flight ever in his plane during my freshman year in college. I was in my first year of Navy ROTC at UNL and I was trying to decide whether I wanted to go into the sub, surface or aviation field. I’d never felt such exhilaration and freedom as he taught me how to perform basic aerobatic maneuvers while educating me on how they applied to the tactical environment. He would say “now this next maneuver allows you to roll in behind an enemy aircraft below you going the opposite direction…presto, “split s”. After that flight I was hooked and the direction my career and life would take never wavered and would be set in stone! I owe my 20 years of flying military fighters and 23 years of commercial aviation all to Colonel Stevens. Nickel on the grass sir and fair winds and following seas.
I am so very sorry we will not be able to attend his service. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything you need or anything we can do for your family. Love Mike and Christy VanRyckeghem
God be with you Uncle Merlin!! Say hi to my dad for me. Your niece, Jackie
Steve was a good friend and true gentleman. We have fond memories of all the enjoyable times we spent with him, Suzanne, and Taylor. It is truly unfortunate that we cannot be at Steve’s service since we are traveling. Fly, Fight, Win, buddy!
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