Paul Stege

Paul Edward Stege, aged 62, passed away April 13th, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Paul was born on May 22nd, 1961, to B. Paul and Geneva Jane Stege. His parents and two sisters, Carolyn Frank and Paula Alred, have preceded him in death.
Paul is survived by his fiancé, Connie Housman, and his stepchildren, Freddy (Crystal) Housman, Billy (Rebekah) Housman, and Bobby Housman of White Hall. Also surviving are his siblings: Pat (Paul) Wallis, Derek Stege, and Pam Stege, all from Roodhouse, David (Sue) Stege of Hillsboro, Danny (David Kotowski) Stege of Jacksonville, and Jack (Ann) Stege of Springfield.
In addition, Paul leaves behind several grandchildren: Candace, Austin, Shelbe, Steven, Keegan, Michael, Maci, and Lexi, as well as great-grandchildren Mason, Grant, and Weston.
Paul served in the United States Armed Forces as a communication specialist stationed in the Pentagon. After serving his country for four years, he began civilian life and worked at Hertzberg's bookbindery in Jacksonville for over two decades. Paul was highly intelligent, had a great sense of humor, was kind, and loved to goof around with his grandchildren.
His family, especially his brothers, remember him for his love of music. When they were together, they would live life to the fullest, like true rock stars. Connie was never too far away from him since starting their relationship in October 1991. Whether he was playing video games or pretending not to watch the Cardinals baseball game, eating fish at Kathy's Corner, or spending time with the kids, Paul always had Connie by his side. He enjoyed reading comics, watching movies, and spending time with his friends and family.
The void that Paul left behind will not be filled anytime soon. As his grandchildren bid him their final goodbyes, they expressed their love for him: "I love you, Pawpaw. We'll miss you." Paul fought hard until the end, and as we send him off, we do so with all of our love.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024 at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in White Hall with burial to follow in Fernwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family c/o Connie Housman. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com