Steven Hanks

1951 - 2016

MANITO - Steven J. Hanks, 64, of Manito, Ill., passed away at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer.

Steve was born Oct. 4, 1951, in Troy, Ill., to Charles and Mae Meta (Capelle) Hanks. He married his high school sweetheart, Maureen E. Myler, on Sept. 18, 1971. They shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are his three children, Matthew (Dr. Beth Tumilty) Hanks of Bloomington, Ill., Maggi (Josh) Charlton of Manito, Ill., and Dr. Jessica (Dr. Matthew Mischler) Hanks of Germantown Hills, Ill. Steve and Maureen were blessed with nine grandchildren, Jack, Charlie and Madeleine Hanks, Grace and Luke Charlton and Lucy, Jude, Emma and Jane Mischler. Also surviving are his mother, Mae Hanks of Troy, Ill.; one brother, John (Carrie) Hanks of Edwardsville, Ill.; and one sister, Gail Shimer of Highland, Ill.; along with several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hanks; his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Margaret Myler; and granddaughter, Sarah Jane Hanks.

Steve retired form Caterpillar after 32 years.

He was a member of the Lower 40 Duck Club since 2003. A lifelong duck hunter and fisherman, he was able to enjoy a few good hunts this past season with his son, Matt. and grandchildren Jack, Charlie and Grace.

He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, often listening to games on the radio, rather than watching on TV. It was not uncommon for his children to get a call from Dad on any given day to remind us of a game scheduled for that day or evening.

Steve played an active role in caring for his grandchildren while taking pride in their achievements and supporting their athletic events. It was no secret that his love for his family, especially his grandchildren, surpassed everything else. Steve and Maureen enjoyed annual trips with their children and grandchildren to Lake Carlyle, Ill. They also enjoyed spending time on their boat on Lake Springfield.

Steve was a fun loving spirited man. He always said a father always wants more for his children in their lives than what he had in life. Steve was an important part of shaping his family into what they are today, and for that we will be forever grateful. He was a one-of-a-kind father and husband and we will never be the same without him.

A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Manito, with Father Geoffrey Horton as celebrant. Cremation will be accorded.

Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Steve's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, 3450 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104; or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

To view Steve's memorial page or to send an online condolence, go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.