Jon Stephen Raitala

It is with deep respect and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Jon Stephen Raitala, age 80, of Newport, Tennessee. His family knew him as Stephen/Steve. Since high school, his friends affectionately knew him as “Rat”. Steve was a beloved father, friend, and veteran who lived a life of integrity, humor, and quiet strength. Steve was born on October 31, 1944, in Cheverly, Maryland to Sulo Jacob Raitala and Mildred Frances (Harbin) Raitala. He graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1962. Steve worked for C&P Telephone Company until he drafted into the United States Army. He served his country with honor. Steve proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He served in Vietnam. He became a disabled veteran due to exposure to Agent Orange. He served with courage, integrity, and a deep love for his fellow service members and his country. After his time in the military, Steve worked for the U.S. Postal Service while attending school to study computer programming. He went on to work for Control Data and several government contractors throughout his computer career, holding many different technology-related positions over the years. He continued working in the field until his retirement. Steve enjoyed competitive group activities like softball, bowling, golf, and target shooting. In golf, Steve even got a Hole-in-One. Competitive target shooting kept him busy. He went to Camp Perry to competitive shooting and always can home with trophies. Once Steve moved to Tennessee, he was involved with the Morristown VFW Post 5266. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. He served as Treasurer (2010-2011), Vice President (2011-2012) and President (2012-2013). At the Morristown VFW, Steve met the love of his life, Mae Sheppard. of Newport, Tennessee. When Steve met Mae, he also received the love of her entire family—and her fur babies, Harley and Paco, too. Mae’s family took Steve in as one of their own. His Tennessee family meant so much to him. Mae’s daughter, Jenny, lovingly cared for Steve until the time of his passing. Steve is survived by his daughter, Sherrie L. Myers and her husband, Gary, of Maryland; his sister, Ilona F. (Raitala) Remson and her late husband, Norris “Buddy” Remson, of South Carolina; and his former stepdaughter, Dawn Colyer, her husband, Stephen, and their children, Emily and Scott. He is also survived by many other beloved family members, including his nieces, Leah and Lana, his nephew, Phillip, and their children, as well as his entire Tennessee family. Steve had many dear friends who will miss him greatly. Jon Stephen Raitala be deeply missed and remembered with honor and love by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sulo and Mildred Raitala; his brother-in-law, Norris “Buddy” Remson; and the love of his life, Mae Sheppard. Steve’s funeral service, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on August 24, 2026. Guests are asked to arrive at the Administration Building by 9:15 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. service. A REAL ID is required for entry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Steve’s memory to the Morristown VFW Post 5266, 2503 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Morristown, TN 37814.

Jon Stephen Raitala

October 31, 1944 - April 9, 2025