Stephen ‘Steve’ Patrick Wilson of Harco

Stephen “Steve” Patrick Wilson, 64, of Harco passed away on Sept. 16, 2024, after a brief battle with liver cancer.

He was born on Feb. 11, 1960, in Benton, IL. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1979, having been stationed in Germany during a time of peace.

Steve was one of seven siblings and is survived by all but one. His surviving siblings include Mike (Michelle) Wilson, Tammy (Jim) Bonner, Tim (Lori) Wilson, Kendra (Troy) Hafford, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Smothers, and his brother, Kevin Wilson.

A devoted father, Steve’s greatest pride and joy were his four daughters, whom he shared with his former wife, Amy Wilson: Amanda (Jason) Tinsley of Dauphin Island, Ala.; Angela Wilson of Charleston, S.C.; Kelsey Wilson of St. Charles, Mo.; and Chloe (David) Harding of Blue Springs, Mo. He was also a loving grandfather to Jack and Claudia Tinsley. When asked at a recent appointment what his reason for living was, he simply said, "my girls."

Steve had a deep passion for technology and computers, which led him to complete a degree in computer science. He was also a lover of animals and always had many pets throughout his life. His beloved dog, Muttley, whom he adopted from a Rural King parking lot, remained faithfully by his side until the end, passing just 12 hours after Steve.

Steve's daughters are grateful that his suffering was brief. A burial service will be held in his honor at Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL, on Feb. 11, 2025, which would have been his 65th birthday. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating his life and legacy.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.