FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jack Henry Stegall, 81, passed away quietly on May 6, 2020 at approximately 0745 hrs of stage 4 cancer at the La Mariposa Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Fairfield, California. He was born in Delores, Colorado, to Joseph Hardy and Rose Lowe (Hightower) Stegall.

Jack as a child, with his siblings traveled quite a bit due to their father’s work, even traveling to the country of Panama before finally settling in Montesano, Washington where Jack graduated from Montesano High School.

Jack initially wanted to join the Air Force so he could “Fly” but the recruiter was “Out to lunch”. Jack ended up talking to a Navy recruiter who convinced Jack he could actually have the opportunity to fly in the United States Navy and wouldn’t spend the whole time on a ship. So… Jack enlisted in the Navy in 1957 and became a Aviation Machinist Mate for Reciprocating Engines. During his career he had Nuclear Weapons Storage Training as well as Survival//Evasion and Escape Training. Jack earned his “wings” and became a Helicopter Rescue Crewman which gave him the opportunity to travel abroad to the likes of Okinawa, Japan, Philippines as well as the Arctic Circle. His only time aboard a ship was six months on the USCGS “Edisto“ WAGB-#284 as Helicopter Combat Support. Jack also spent a year in Vietnam stationed in Danang at the height of the Vietnam Conflict. Jack was eventually transferred with his family where they lived in Subic Bay, Philippines and Jack was stationed at Naval Air Station Cubi Point. In 1980, Jack decided to hang up his wings and retire from the Navy after serving 23 years for his country.

Jack went to school off the GI Bill and was certified in several courses. Jack took a part time job delivering auto parts enjoying his retirement the best he could. Jack also took this opportunity to do some traveling, even driving up to Alaska and spending some quality time there with his parents.

Jack was preceded by his parents, Joseph & Rose Stegall.

Jack is survived by sons; Douglas (Cristina) of Suisun City, California, Curtis (Dawn) of Gainesboro, Tennessee. A daughter, Rainy of Napa, California, as well as his ex-wife whom he remained friends with, Carol Baillie of Suisun City, California. Jack was also survived by his siblings;Birdie James of Forks, Washington, Faye Kowing (Gene) of Black Canyon City, Arizona, Darla Wheaton (Floyd) of Montesano, Washington, Barbara Stegall of Emmitt, Idaho, Karyl Simpson of Spokane, Washington and brothers; Lowell Hardy Stegall (Betty) of Pretty Prairie, Kansas and Steve Stegall (June) of Hood River, Oregon; as well as grandchildren and quite a few nieces and nephews.

Informal Graveside services will be held at Wynooche Cemetery at 1500 W. Pioneer Avenue in Montesano on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. for family and friends where Jack will receive military honors for his service to his country. Jack’s remains will be interned with his parents, Joe & Rose Stegall.