SSgt. Steven Lee Johnson

Steven Lee Johnson was born on February 2, 1960, in Wiesbaden, Germany, and passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Steven was a son, a husband, a brother, a father, and a friend to all, especially those most in need. He was a retired veteran and a great patriot of the USAF, where he served as both a fireman and contractor at Yakoda, Williams, and Eglin Air Force Bases until he was medically retired in 1996. His life was marked by several health issues, but ever the fighter, Steve, rallied time and time again and never failed to show up for his family, friends, and most especially his children.

Steve loved to collect things and would continuously swear that he held the next million-dollar item on American Pickers. From teasing his kids by getting them to say “me-me coo-coo” during a snipe hunting adventure, to paying them for their silence when he dared to chase a racing snake around the backyard, Steve was a man full of laughter and hope. Steve was an artist, a fine fisherman, a first-rate storyteller, and a convincing salesman who could’ve sold sand at top dollar in the Middle East. When he was well enough, he loved to spend time with his dear friends and fellow Veterans at AmVets Post 78.

Much of his life was spent seeking atonement, and he found his redemption through his deep abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In his final years, there was much healing for both him and his family. He was a man who loved life and believed that one could begin again and again. On the toughest days of his children’s lives, he would constantly remind them of their worth and that they, too, could begin again. He impressed upon his children the importance of being in service to others, of helping those less fortunate, and in life, to always have courage and be kind.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, a man of great measure, Mr. Ronald D. Johnson, and the beloved family dogs Chance and Ralphie. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Josephine Caballes Johnson, his mother, Margot B. Johnson, his sister, Charlotte, and brother-in-law Bobby Sutton. His legacy is carried forward in his children, Ferdinand Minoc, Triston Jess, and Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff, and his grandchildren, whom he loved very much as their ‘Papa’ Chynan Minoc, Hannah Katharine Huff, and Khaliyah Minoc. He is also a grandfather to two crazy frenchies that frustrated him to no end, Buxley and Chopper Huff.

Dad, we want you to go with God now. We thank you for everything, and we will see you soon on the other side of this beautiful thing we call life.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home (2201 Partin Dr. N Niceville, FL) on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The visitation is at 11:00 AM with the ceremony beginning at 12:00 PM.

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