Stephen Joseph McNamara

Stephen J. McNamara, 69, known to many as "Big Mac," passed away on Saturday, September 30th.

Stephen was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Robert and Eleanor McNamara on August 6th, 1954. He attended the United States Air Force Academy (class of 1976) and earned a BS in Astronautical Engineering. He had a long and successful career in the Air Force for 29 years, retiring as a pilot and Colonel. While stationed at Hill AFB, Utah, he met Vikki Swanson, his wife of 44 years (married 1979), on a blind date.

Stephen obtained his MS in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and graduated from the inaugural class of the School of Advanced Airpower Studies (SAAS) while serving. He was a Command Pilot who loved flying the F-15E, accumulating numerous flight hours in the F-15C, F-4G, and F-4D. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his service to his country with the Department of Defense for 14 years at the Joint Electronic Warfare Center.

Stephen was known for his support of the Boy Scouts of America, which resulted in countless youths developing into well-rounded individuals over his 32 years. This support also extended to his two sons, Eric and Ian. Stephen enjoyed bicycling with his friends on the weekends, as well as boating, hiking, and gardening.

Stephen is survived by his wife Vikki, and his two sons, Eric (Stephanie) and Ian (Allison), his three grandchildren, Owen, Chloe, and Asher, and his mother, Eleanor, and his six sisters, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Patrice, Clare, Mary, and Louise. He is preceded in death by his father Robert B. McNamara.

Visitation will be at Schertz Funeral Home on Saturday October 21,2023 beginning at 10:00 AM, and the Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Irish Blessing:
“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hands.”