Steven Hites

Steven D. "Steve" Hites, 76, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 03, 2025, at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hillsboro.
Per Steve's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Services will be held at a later date. Interment will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be expressed at https://www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Steven Dale Hites was born on November 16, 1948, in Vandalia, IL, as the second of three sons to Donald E. "Bill" Hites and Elsie F. (Kirchoff) Hites. After graduating from Vandalia Community High School, Steve enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career in agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology, working for Monsanto in St. Louis for many years before eventually retiring from Pfizer.
A passionate collector, Steve, amassed an impressive array of Star Trek memorabilia and baseball cards. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and was known for his friendly nature and gift for conversation; never meeting a stranger and always willing to share a story. Steve was an active member of the First Christian Church of Vandalia, Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95, and the Vandalia Moose Lodge #1447.
Steve is survived by his niece, Amanda Priewe, and her husband Sean of Lakewood, IL. He was lovingly known as "Gus" or great uncle Steve to his great nephew and niece, Noah and Angela.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alan "Kent" Hites and Lynn Dean Hites; and his niece, Angela Hites.