Steven R. Willis

Steven R. Willis obituary, East Peoria, IL

Steven R. Willis

Steven Willis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - East Peoria on Jan. 28, 2026.
Steven R. Willis, 59, of East Peoria, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at his home. He was born in Peoria on January 9, 1967, to Robert and Eileen (Masters) Willis.

He is survived by his mother, Eileen Willis of East Peoria; three daughters, Shandice (Parker) Green of Normal, Jordan (Brock) Wallace of Peoria, and Stevie Willis of Peoria; his siblings, Greg (Debbie) Willis of Chandler, AZ, Kathy (Curtis Phillips) Kerker of Washington, Margaret (Scott) Thatcher of Georgetown, DE, Jennifer (Steve) Ball of East Peoria, Tim Willis of Tijeras, NM, and Julie (Orlando) Duran of Washington; special friend, Robin Willis; and his grandchildren, Brock Jr., Easton, Piper, Rhonin, Kade, and Sawyer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Willis; sister, Elizabeth; and his niece, Sabrina Duran.

Steve graduated from EPCHS with the class of 1985. He was a Table Games Supervisor at Par-A-Dice Casino, where he worked for over 30 years.

Everyone who knew Steve loved him. His laughter was infectious and his smile could light up any room. Steve always knew how to make an entrance and was often the life of the party. He enjoyed watching sports no matter who was playing, but was an avid Bears, Cubs, and Illini fan. Above all, he cherished his family and took great pride in being a grandpa.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with a Funeral Service beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Sports attire is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jordan Wallace - Kids College Account at CEFCU for his greatest loves; his grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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