Steven Scott McNally's Obituary
Steven Scott McNally, 60, passed away on June 5, 2022 at 6:10 a.m., at his home in Clinton, Utah, with his family by his side from Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.
Steve was born March 19, 1962 in Iowa City, Iowa to Beverly (Schroeder) McNally, of Bellevue, Iowa. He was her third and last son and brother to Jeffrey (deceased) and Brad. of LaMotte, Iowa.
In 1980, Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tenure, Steve worked as an aircraft maintenance specialist, a crew chief, and as an NCOIC, Quality Programs. Steve was stationed at Kadena AB, Japan; Clark AB, Philippines; Osan 22AB, Korea; and Hill AFB, UT. Additionally, Steve did several temporary assignments in support of peace and wartime missions. One of Steve’s memorable times was serving as a team member recovering the wreckage of two unburned A-25 Shrikes that crashed in Black Canyon during 1944. Portions of the wreckage were used to reconstruct an A-25 Shrive for the National United States Air Force Museum. Throughout his military time, Steve received many awards, such as the Preened Falcon and several accolades. In one of his last performance reviews, it was noted that Steve was an autonomous, decisive, exceptional performer who displays outstanding leadership qualities. Steve retired after 20 years of military service. Steve was a proud Veteran and we are proud of his service.
In August 2008, Steve and Tonya crossed paths at a grocery store parking lot and complimented each other’s vehicles, hers a cherry red Mustang, his being a white F-250, and from there they continued to date and eventually wed on September 19, 2009. From the day they met until they meet again, their love will remain.
In February, 2022 Steve retired again, this time from Federal Civilian Service after serving 19 years supporting the mission of the 309th Missile Maintenance Group as Vehicle Control Officer. Steve was responsible for ensuring the goals and objectives of the vehicle control program were being met or exceeded. During his tenure, Steve was nominated and received Civilian of the Quarter several times. Many co-workers attest to Steve’s incredible work ethic and his patriotism to his country. Upon his retirement, Steve was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award for performance of assigned duties in an exemplary manner.
Away from work, Steve enjoyed camping and sports and following his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. A long-time NASCAR and a loyal Stewart-Haas fan, he and Tonya had season passes to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and traveled to see many races in Las Vegas, Talladega, Sears Point, Charlotte, Bristol, and Phoenix.
When camping, Steve was always on the search for the ever-elusive Sasquatch, which was in fun. Steve became good at calling Squatch into the area. Once, Steve received a response that slowly went around the circle at the campground. The next morning, the campground was chattering about a potential Squatch sighting! Obviously, the other campers knew it was Steve. Camping was a way for Steve and Tonya to enjoy each other’s company, relax, and enjoy the campfire. Playing Five Crowns and Scrabble was a competitive sport for them. Steve and Tonya were always on the lookout for the perfect camp site in Iowa, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah, with their favorite campsites being in the Uintas.
Steve had a passion for all types of music, especially country music. He and Tonya enjoyed attending their favorites in concert, and Steve made sure they had the best seats to experience the entertainment. Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Sia, and his guilty pleasure—Lady Gaga.
Preceding him in death are his brother Jeff; his father-in-law Fred Birkle; and brother-in-law Scott Birkle.
He is survived by his spouse, Tonya (Birkle); his mother, Beverly; brother Brad (Laurie); mother-in-law Nita; brothers-in-law Eric Birkle, Grant (Hollie) Birkle, and Kirk Birkle; sister-in-law Terry Birkle; nieces and nephews, Amber, Cassidi, Andrew, Brent, Christian, Josh, Tony, Courtney, Drew, and Christopher; and his two fur kids, Khloe and Kit.
Steve fought a four-and-a-half-year battle with courage and bravery—watching him go through the process from diagnosis to call for hospice, was a sight to behold—he charged ahead, stayed strong, and handled setbacks and wins with equal reproach. Steve stayed true to himself to the end.
With everyone, Steve was loyal and full of integrity. He had immense respect for other and as a result, other certainly had immense respect for him. Steve was well loved, and will be greatly missed.
Tonya and his family would like to thank Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Dr. Jeffery Russell and Team, HAFB Clinic, CNS Hospice Team, Missile Maintenance Group Family and several friends.
Private cremation services will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 13, 2022 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Talia Event Center, 22 East 200 South Clearfield, Utah 84015.
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