Saplin, Lt. Col. Steve
On Friday, November 9, 2018 Lt. Col. Steve Saplin passed away at the age of 56. Steve was born on July 19, 1962 in Alexandria, Mississippi to Joann (Bonds) Saplin and F.H. “Buck” Saplin. On January 30, 1981 he married his high school sweetheart Lisa Adams. They raised three sons, Keith, Steven “Adam”, and Greg. To support his young family Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force. The Air Force recognized Steve for his exceptional intelligence and work ethic as he was soon selected for officer training school. Through OTS Steve received a B.S in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University and a M.S. in Systems Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Steve served for ten years as active duty Air Force and twenty years in the Missouri Air National Guard Reserve. Steve deployed all over the world during his service including Operation Desert Shield and Operation Enduring Freedom, but he was most proud of his service to the state of Missouri and his role in helping the city of Joplin, Mo recover from the devastating 2011 Tornado. During his service Steve was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with the Bronze Service Star; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one Oak Leave Cluster.
Steve’s dedication to his country was comparable only to his love for his family. Steve was a loving and attentive father and grandfather whose big smile and exuberant sense of humor welcomed everyone around him. He raised his sons to be strong men with big hearts who understood the importance of love and laughter. His influence on his children and grandchildren will be felt for generations to come.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, “Buck”, and his mother, Joann. He is survived by his wife Lisa, his three children Keith, Steven “Adam”, and Greg, his brother Keith, his sister Karri, and his grandchildren Sam, Lilly, and Cora.
A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday November 16, 2018 at Kutis Funeral Home 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd St. Louis, Mo 63129. Visitation will take place prior to the funeral at 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Following the funeral internment will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Military Honors.