John Leslie Estep, 84, of Largo, Florida, died April 29, 2009 at the VA Hospital, Bay Pines, FL.  He was born in Detroit, MI, to Leslie and Ruth Estep. After high school, John joined the US Navy (1942-1946) with primary assignment on the USS Hailey DD-556, with battle engagements in the Pacific Theater. In 1962, he was recalled to active duty during the Cuban missile crisis. He retired from the US Navy Reserve (1958-1984). His enlistment in the Navy produced a lifetime of rewarding experiences, reunions and friendships.  
 
After discharge in 1946, John completed junior college under the GI Bill during which time he met his future wife, Leona Basinski. Upon graduation he joined Leona in Albuquerque, New Mexico where they were wed in 1948.
 
John and Leona moved to Santa Fe, NM where John opened and managed the first Sears and Roebuck. In 1951 he became the circulation manager of The New Mexican, the state newspaper. In this capacity, he traveled extensively in New Mexico.  In 1956 John moved his family to Largo, FL and joined his father and brother at Largo Lumber, the family business. During his 50+ years in Largo he developed deep ties to the community serving as President of Largo Rotary (1964-1965) and as a Largo City Commissioner (1971-1972). In 1986, after Largo Lumber was sold, he began a new career as Pinellas County Deputy Field Tax Collector, retiring in 2003.
 
John enjoyed restoring a variety of antique cars. 
 
His family includes daughter, Mary Kay Estep of Largo, daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Hugh Granger of Santa Fe, NM, brother and sister-in-law, Grant and Barbara Estep of Spartanburg, SC, cousin, Linda Short of Sarasota, FL, and 9 nieces and nephews. John’s wife of 60 years, Leona, passed away on January 12, 2009.  
 
A military honor service for BT1 John Estep will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the Bay Pines National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Largo Area Historical Society, Inc. 6272-151st Terrace N, Clearwater, FL 33760.  Visit www.veteransfuneralcare.com to sign the guest book and to read his full obituary.
 
Veterans Funeral Care
 
727-524-9202