Steven D. Rasor

Steven D. Rasor, 62, of Decatur, TN passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, TN.

Steve was born in Piqua, OH, on February 15, 1958. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Mary (Willcox) Rasor.

Survivors are his wife, Diana; 3 sisters, Deborah (Michael) Torode of California, Cynthia Furst (Dennis Rowan) of Oregon, and Barbara Rasor of South Carolina; 1 brother, David Rasor of Texas; mother-in-law, Peggy “Mum” Gould; 2 stepsons, Michael Hall and Christopher Hack; 2 nephews, Michael and Matthew Torode of Texas; 1 niece, Madalyn Altschuler of California; and several cousins, Kathy, Ben, Lori, Scott, and Marilyn.

Steve served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He held position of Staff Sergeant E-6, upon Honorable Discharge Oct 30, 1985 from HMX-1 MCAF MCDEC Quantico VA. Job Assignment as Naval District Washington, Anacostia, Washington D. C. Crewleader and Presidential Crewchief on MARINE ONE, MOS 6167 and MOS 6162 for one year eight months. Steve held White House Top Secret ( YZ ) Communication Clearance. He was designated as NATOPS Aircrew Instructor & Evaluator on VH-3D and was awarded the Presidential Service Certificate and Presidential Service Badge # 7477, for Honorable Service in the White House.

Steve received two certificates of appreciation from Ronald Reagan and Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Performance of Duties by D.M. Twomey Lieutenant General USMC. Technical background at HMX-1 Aircraft Development Department prior to selection to Executive Flight Detachment. As a Collateral Duty Inspector on CH-53 and QA representative with seven years as a ( MOS 6113 ) Helicopter Mechanic afforded the opportunity to work in the development of the Vibration Analysis Program Utilized by the USMC /NAVAL Detachment World Wide with the RB -101, in Aircraft System both rotating and stationary. He worked Test cell and Engine shop on T-58, developing Engine Vibration Data Base for GE.

Steve worked extensively with Factory development departments for Sikorsky, including Acoustical Data accusation to lower discomfortable noise levels prevalent in turbine operation and its effects on aircraft Air-frames, Avionics and Creature comfort. He was sponsored by Sikorsky to become first non-professional member in the American Helicopter Society before it became open to general membership in 1981 for help in Acoustic / Vibration Program.

He was qualified 1st Mech / Plane Captain CH-53 A/D, and gunner on the backup aircraft for the IRAN / Hostage Rescue attempt, and operation Black Hole, which afterwards all members were sent to HMX-1.

Steve was a kind person who would help others in any way possible. He was a very intelligent man who could talk with anyone about anything. He was an outdoorsman. He was deeply involved in genealogy of his own family history and would often help others in their research.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020, at Heritage Funeral Home East Brainerd Chapel. A burial of ashes will take place at 11 AM on Saturday May 15, 2021, at Forest Hill Union Cemetery and Arboretum in Piqua, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marine Toys for Tots or plant a tree in Steve’s honor through the Arbor Day Foundation.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.

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