Clayton Elwin "Rip" O'Steen

Clayton Elwin “Rip” O’Steen, 85, passed away at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee on Sunday, December 22, 2024, after a long, rich, and full Life. Rip shared life’s adventures with his wife, Carol, whom she only agreed to marry after he asked dozens of times and wrote a prenup on the side of a brown paper grocery bag. They loved one another deeply for nearly 60 years, respecting and encouraging each other along the way. Together they navigated his college days with a newborn while he received his Bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College. They welcomed another newborn during Rip’s Masters in Hospital Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rip got his nickname in college from his zest for ripping through tasks, projects and challenges. He was wise and intelligent, witty, adventurous and totally devoted to his family. There was never a question about where you stood with him. Rip became a leader in his profession, obtaining a certificate of need, supervising the building a new hospital in Marianna, serving as President of the Florida Hospital Association, and standing for patients as a 40-year member of the Florida Patient’s Compensation Fund. His skill and commitment to being a trusted resource for the legislators and a bulldog for the best health care possible for Floridians were reflected in his legacy as a health care lobbyist during the last 20 years of his career. Rip loved to “make memories” with those special to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He showed us the importance of enjoying every moment and the value of showering love and kindness on others. Whether sharing thoughtful gifts, enjoying dinner together, traveling to other states/countries, attending Gator football games, or making cars from boxes for his granddaughter Ella to drive, spending quality time with his loved ones was most important to him. He instilled in his family to be present in the lives of others and having presence of mind in their own lives. In his words, Rip is grateful for “my parents and ancestors, college graduation twice, gift of gab, wanting to help people, and living in the USA”. He was truly a blessed man. Clayton Elwin (“Rip”) O’Steen, CEO, YSP was born on October 8, 1939, to Clayton and Josephine Louise Winn O’Steen in Polk City, FL. He graduated from Kathleen High School in 1957 and married his best friend’s sister, Helen Carol Sineath on September 9, 1961. They were married 59 years. Rip was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Carol; and sister, Martha Dale O’Steen Byers. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jolene and John Paramore; daughter Heather Carol O’Steen; granddaughter, Ella Noel Friedman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack (Sue) Hogan; Ronnie (Jeannie) Hogan; Mary Jane DiLorenzo; Jimmy (Nola) Hogan; Ginny (Bob) Bless; Betty Sue Hogan; Becky (Tommy) Carroll; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews and more friends than can be counted. The family is thankful for the love and support given to Rip by family, friends, Tallahassee Senior Center, his medical professionals, the wonderful staff of Westminster Oaks and the Big Bend Hospice caregivers. Their kindness and compassion allowed him to end his blessed life with dignity and grace. Rip would love to have his family and friends gather to comfort each other through hugs and conversation. A celebration of Rip's life complete with biscuits using his special recipe will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Lakeland, FL. Please check back for time and location. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of these organizations: The Tallahassee Senior Center, an organization that provided him with support and activity after the passing of his wife and the quarantine of COVID. Support groups, field trips, and art class were his favorites. Tallahassee Senior Center Foundation,1400 N Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303 Children’s Home Society, the amazing organization that coordinated the adoption of his granddaughter, Ella. Children’s Home Society of Florida – Greater Tallahassee, 325 John Knox Rd, Building A Tallahassee, FL 32303 or www.chsfl.org/donate Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the O'Steen family with their arrangements.

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Clayton Elwin "Rip" O'Steen

October 8, 1939 - December 22, 2024