Reverend Steve Aaron Rascoe Sr., 63, passed away on November 17, 2018, at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center in Panama City, Florida.  Steve was born in Coco Solo Panama Canal, Panama on May 1, 1955, to his parents Walter Joe and Betty Joyce Rascoe, and was raised in Pensacola, Florida. Steve had been a resident of Panama City as the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church since 2011. 

Steve attended Asbury College and Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, receiving a degree in Masters of Divinity.  He began his ministry at Lafayette Street United Methodist Church (UMC) in Dothan, serving two years as Associate Pastor. He then served as Senior Pastor at Frisco City UMC for four years, followed by Rosinton UMC for six years, Park Memorial UMC for 13 years, then Daphne UMC for three years before moving to First United Methodist Church of Panama City.  Rev. Steve was involved with the Bay County Sherriff’s Office as a Chaplain, board member of The Ark in Panama City Beach, and helped with the formation of Celebrate Recovery.

His radiant smile and heart to serve others radiated love for his Lord, family, friends and community. Rev. Rascoe is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Wolfe Rascoe and foster son, Anthony Romanczuk. Rev. Rascoe is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janet Carol Mortensen Rascoe of Panama City, and their children, Steve ‘Aaron’ Jr (Amanda) of Enterprise, and Rachel of Panama City; grandchildren Steve Aaron ‘Tripp’ III, Allie Elizabeth and Madison Kate of Enterprise; and foster son Jonathon Whittico of Mobile. He is also survived by his father Walter Joe Rascoe (Wanda) of Pensacola; sister Debra Bourne (Mike) of Cantonment, Florida; brother, Mark Rascoe (Denise) of Fayetteville, Tennessee; nephews, Chris Bourne (Melissa) of Milton, Florida, Greg Bourne (Danielle) of St. Petersburg, Florida, Sean Rascoe; and niece Sabrina Rascoe of Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Family will be receiving friends Sunday afternoon, November 25, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. with services following at 4 p.m., both located at First United Methodist Church (Community Life Center) of Panama City, with Reverends Carl Fountain and Doug Pennington officiating. Graveside service will be Monday, November 26, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Meadowlawn Memorial Park, 6121 Hwy 27 S., Enterprise, AL. Honor guard provided by Bay County Sheriff’s Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Panama City, FL., 903 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”