Stephen Charles Hustead

Stephen Charles Hustead, age 82, beloved father and husband, a resident of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 12, 2023. He was born January 6, 1941, in Mayfield, Oklahoma, the son of George Hustead and Annie (Smith) Hustead. Steve lived a life of great adventure and service. He was raised in a tight-knit loving military family who lived all over the world, including post war West Germany and Japan. At the age of 18, he left home to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Four years later, (all in the same week) he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, he married the love of his life and high-school sweetheart, Ruth Lynn, and the newlyweds immediately moved to Anchorage, Alaska to begin their life together. Over the next 60 years, Steve and Lynn remained deeply in love, bringing love and laughter around the globe, to everyone they encountered. Steve spent 28 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Full Colonel. Throughout his career he was a dynamic leader, always admired and beloved by his men. He served 2 tours in Vietnam, where he bravely led soldiers into combat. Upon returning stateside, he attended The Ohio State University where he earned a Graduate Degree in nuclear physics. The latter years of his career were spent at The Pentagon, where he helped develop America’s most vital national security strategies. Through his work, Steve did so much to shape our world but the roles that brought him the most joy and satisfaction were those of Daddy and Grandaddy. His family meant absolutely everything to him. From the day they were born, he was deeply involved in the lives of both his children (Bill and Lynda) and each of his treasured grandchildren (Brett, Quinn, Abbie, River, and Annie). With his own hands, he designed and built the baby beds each of his grandkids would sleep in. Later, he helped each grandchild buy (and take care of) their first cars. Perhaps most important, however, he taught them how to love, catch fish, and laugh (especially at themselves!). He was intensely proud of each of his kids and grandkids, and never missed an opportunity to be with them, cheer them on, and create a memory. Steve was a highly educated, important, and refined man who traveled the world. He was a master craftsman who could build or repair anything. But the place he was happiest was on the family pontoon boat, out on Beaver Lake, in a quiet cove, Ruth Lynn by his side, casting for fish, eating bean dip and Fritos, telling jokes and roaring with laughter, all while surrounded by his favorite people in the world: His kids, grandkids, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, and friends. He loved God, his family, and America. We were richly blessed to have him in our lives. He surely will be missed. Steve Hustead was preceded in death by his parents George Lincoln Thomas Hustead and Annie Josephine Hustead (Smith), his Father-In-Law, William Worthy McCallister and his Mother-In-Law, Virginia (Bristow) McCallister of Columbus, OH, and his Brother-In-Law, Wesley Richard Jacobi, of Rogers, AR. Survivors include his beloved wife of over 60 years, Ruth Lynn Hustead (McCallister), one daughter Lynda Elizabeth Lee-Mature and husband, Anthony Mature, of New Waverly, Texas, one son William Thomas Hustead and wife, Janell Hustead (Hayes) of Winter Garden, Florida, five grandchildren including William Brett Hustead of Plano, Texas, Parker Hall “Quinn” Lee of Houston, TX, Abigail Ruth Hustead of New York City, NY, River Stephen Lee of Temple, TX, and Annie Elizabeth Hustead of Tallahassee, FL, one sister, Carolyn Jacobi of Rogers, AR, one brother, Michael Wise Hustead and wife Nancy Hustead, of Manchester, New Hampshire. And numerous beloved nieces and nephews, all who touched his life, including Lori, Ben, Janet, Perry, Kim, Michael, Lisa, Tommy, Cheri, Laura, and Rob. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, on July 20th, at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale, Arkansas. A viewing will take place at 9:00 AM on the same day. Following the funeral service, burial with military honors will occur at 12:30 PM, at Fayetteville National Cemetery, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider a gift to Folds Of Honor. You can stream the funeral live at the following link: https://fb.me/e/3dLfMCM3r Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Stephen Charles Hustead

January 6, 1941 - July 12, 2023