In Loving Memory of
Steven Zeigler
November 5, 1953 – March 2, 2023
Virtual Memorial Gathering
Sunday, April 2, 2023
5:00 PM Central Time (USA)
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Steven Zeigler Obituary
Steven Michael Zeigler, avid waterman, pilot, and accomplished recreational expert died in Thailand, March 2, 2023 (local date). Steve grew up North of Los Angeles, California in Santa Clarita and met his young aspirations to be a pilot, while fulfilling many flight hours through flight instruction. He likened his early years to the movie Sandlot and spoke fondly of being raised up by a community of neighbors in his hometown with his parents Jack and Beverly and two brothers Larry and Robert (Craig).
Steve eventually moved to Memphis for his career and had three children, Ashley Praytor, Erin Saxton, and Chad Zeigler. Legendary memories of their adventurous family vacations, all orchestrated by Steve, are still discussed. He took great pride in his family and his career.
Steve eventually retired from FedEx as the most senior pilot at 44 1/2 years of service. Over the course of his flying career he broke several official speed records and was known as ‘one of the good guys’, an ‘old school legend’ and ‘a lot of fun to fly with’.
Steve made great commitment to ‘meet ups’ with friends and family, whether it was marking the birth of one of his 5 grandchildren, heading to a Blue Angels air show, fine dining with his son, or touching base with old friends in South Florida or LA. He greatly enjoyed the company of his friends and family and even when he wasn’t nearby, he went great lengths to keep consistent conversations with those closest to him by phone.
Towards the end of his career, Steve made moves to create a special retirement space in Thailand so he could frequent boating, golfing and a tropical lifestyle. In typical Steve fashion, he was known for his Thailand BBQ’s and good times listening to live music and most likely fabricating stories of golf scores and fat fish.
Steve lived with a five month diagnosis of stage-4 esophageal cancer, which was eventually his attributed cause of death. Unfortunate to many of his friends and family, Steve kept his medical condition somewhat quiet, as not to ‘bum anyone out’. He fought for life and unfortunately after 69 years of age he passed surrounded by his friends and girlfriend in Thailand, but not before one last jam session to Top Gun “Danger Zone”. His outlook on life, zest for fun and adventure, and deep love for his friends and family will be missed.
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“ Oh that I had Wings like a Dove for then would “I Fly “ away and be at Rest”….
Psalm 55:6
Kim Calvin
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It was pleasure to fly with you, an education to instruct with you, and an honor to have worked with and known you, Steve. Gone too soon.
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I have wonderful memories of y’all growing up across the street from us in Memphis. My first babysitting job was watching Ashley. Before the twins were born, your family move to Germantown and I was lucky enough to visit weekly and get to watch the three of you. Your dad was always so kind to me. The best was when he got his brand new 380 zx. It was black and had a really cool stereo system in the headrest. I think we did about 80 miles an hour going down Stout Road when he brought me home one night from babysitting I know he will be truly missed and I was glad to have known your family in your younger years.
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Steve. My friend and brother for 44 years. He was truly more that that. I could trust Steve with anything and depend on him for everything. We were part of that young group from 1978. Steve was alway unique and had my respect. He was an old school pilot and flew like it. Of course he claimed responsibility for all my success. At least according to him he taught me everything I know. Might even be some truth to that. We flew together, fished together and if you knew Steve then you know we TALKED together. We had some really good times and helped each other through some very tough times. We shared a tall one or two. Steve loved his family so. There was never a time when Steve wasn’t talking proudly about his kids. And his children deserved his praise. Steve was a great dad. He loved my daughter Myla too. Standing joke he would always call her Kathy. Myla had her own little name for Steve I laughed every time she called out to him. M Its hard to imagine life without Steve. I just can’t express the loss that we feel. RIP Captain Steve Zeigler. We love you.
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I flew with Steve many times in the Falcon. I was a new hire and he was a great new Captain. It was amazing to find out we lived a half block from each other. Great times with our kids and his along with many wonderful meals and parties. We will miss him.
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Steve and I were in the same new hire class at Federal Express July, 1978. He and I were the youngest in our class so the bottom two, he was one seniority number junior to me. We were simulator partners when we upgraded to Falcon Captain 18 months after we were hired. We were living life large and had many great times. Steve will be sorely missed by his family, FedEx colleagues and the aviation community.
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Zig and I were the first FedEx “hire from within” test cases, first time we met was a long night of hard partying, followed early the next morning by a mental acuity and psychological evaluation from the company shrink. You can imagine how that went, I’m still surprised either one of us got hired.
A lot of water under the Bridge since then, but it’s always been our life’s dream and something neither he or I would trade for anything .
The first thing I thought about upon hearing his passing was a vision of him and Jimmy P. up there arguing about just anything, it didn’t matter what it was……It made me smile.
Thanks for the memories Z.
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Enjoyed racing sailboats against Steve, and then sitting down after the race to share stories over a beer.
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I’d known Steve for 38 years and can attest the best things he gave this world are his 3 children. They are industrious, hard working, well adjusted, successful young adults of whom I am certain he was very proud! God speed Steve! Karen
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He was a legend here at FedEx and everybody loved him. He will be missed by all of us.
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Capt. Steve was always an affable fellow, with a ready smile, hearty handshake, and a true interest in how one of his colleagues was doing. What more could one ask of a fellow aviator? Fair skies and tailwinds on your travels West old friend!!!
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We became friends with Steve many years ago as part of the FedEx family. He was ALWAYS so much fun to be around and NEVER met a stranger. He always made you feel so welcome in his presence and never stopped telling so many great stories. Steve introduced Steve and me for the first time to “Long Island Iced Tea”! Being a good ole southern girl, I drank them like iced tea not realizing exactly what they were! Well, you can probably figure out how much fun we all had that night! I’m sad that we didn’t get to spend more time together in our retirement days. He talked about coming to Alabama to see us during his most recent trip he had planned, but he never got to make that trip. He lived for adventure and I loved following him on Social Media to see all he lived for. He was an amazing friend and will be missed by many! Love you Steve Z.
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I know he is looking down on his three adult children and proud of the people you all have become. May God continue to comfort you all during this difficult time. Keep his spirit alive!
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Best black book I ever saw. That baby was world wide. A great guy to fly with. Steve was as good to the bottom of the seniority as he was to the top.
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Erin Saxton