Malcolm Everett "Mac" Steen, beloved husband, father, and "G-Pa," respected DeLand orthodontist, self-proclaimed "Coontie farmer," and lifelong Florida Gator, passed away on October 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Mac was born at West Point Army Hospital in West Point, NY, on June 30, 1948. His father was a radar man for the Army Air Corps, so the family moved often during Mac's childhood before settling in Melbourne, FL.

As a young man, Mac played in the state championship with his Melbourne High School team. After graduating from Melbourne High in 1966, he went on to become a standout offensive tackle for the University of Florida from 1967 to 1969 under legendary coach Ray Graves. He earned All-SEC honors and in 1969 was named captain alongside his close friend Tom "The Sheik" Abdelnour. In 2004, he was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame. Mac credited Coach Graves with instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and care for others that guided him throughout his life. He stayed connected to the Gator community by organizing the 1969 team reunions with Sheik and by being a member of the UF Letterman's Club.

In the summer of 1969, a job in Antigua made Mac a member of the extended Apollo 11 team. That fall he returned to Gainesville for his senior season, and during his final semester at the University of Florida in 1970, he met Kathy, the love of his life. They were married the following year. After dental school at Emory University, he joined the United States Air Force as a dentist in 1974 and was stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in northern Italy for four years. That chapter sparked a lifelong love of travel, adventure, and all things Italian. Travel was important to Mac because it let him learn about other ways of life, and he carried that curiosity and openness with him wherever he went.

Building his orthodontic practice was very important to Mac, and over the course of his career he cared for more than 8,000 patients. He loved "building smiles," and he made real connections not only with his patients but with their families, many of whom became lifelong friends.

At home in DeLand, Mac tended his Coontie fernery, proudly calling himself a "Coontie farmer." He was a lover of nature and of Florida native plants and animals. He became a certified master naturalist and was passionate about donating and planting Coontie around town, including at Spec Martin Stadium. Gardening revealed a quieter, gentler side of him, one that found joy in patience and in caring for living things.

From his mother, Ruth Steen, Mac learned a deep and enduring love for humanity that shaped his lifelong commitment to community and activism. He was an important part of the DeLand community. He volunteered with Good Samaritan, providing dental care to those in need, and was a member of the DeLand Rotary Club and the Quarterback Club. He loved all team sports and was a devoted supporter of DeLand High School, DeLand Little League, the Police Athletic League (PAL), and Stetson University, as well as additional local youth football leagues.

Above all, Mac's heart belonged to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathy Collins Steen; his children, Rusty Steen (Chi) and Katie Steen Phillips (Andrew); and his grandchildren, Wiley and Lucy, who know him as "G-Pa." He is also survived by his sister, Janet; his brother, Don (Robin); his Collins in-laws, Claudia, Cindy (Mike), Jim (Nancy), Janey, and Tim; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM at Northwest Square in DeLand, FL. The family requests casual dress. Hawaiian shirts, Tommy Bahama, tie-dye, and of course Gator colors were his favorites.

Mac lived his life with a big heart and a sense of wonder. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, his patients, his teammates, and all who knew and loved him.