Stephen W. Tuttle

Mr. Stephen W. Tuttle, age 76, of Robinson, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 9:56 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Robinson Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Robinson, Illinois, with his family close at hand. Born on October 16, 1948, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Stephen was the son of John Wayne "TUT" Tuttle and Audrey M. (Rittenour) Tuttle. On November 30, 1968, he married his best friend and lifelong companion, Barbara Lynn Beabout. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. She survives. Stephen graduated from Robinson High School with the Class of 1966 and went on to study at the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky. He began his professional journey in funeral service at Gibbons Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois (1968–1971), and later served at Flagg Funeral Home in Cary, Illinois (1971–1973). After a year with Briggs Pottery, Stephen joined Marathon Oil Company in 1974. He faithfully served at Marathon for 30 years before retiring at the Boiler House in 2004. In 2002, Stephen and three close friends turned a shared dream into reality by purchasing land in Melrose, Illinois, clearing it by hand, and building a peaceful retreat they named Friendship Estates. There, Steve found great joy entertaining family, watching his grandchildren fish and ride 4-wheelers, and making lasting memories with those he loved. He also enjoyed his retirement years watching his grandchildren's ball games, traveling, and wintering in Texas where he made many life-long friends. Stephen was a man of deep faith and integrity. He was a member of the Highland Church of Christ in Robinson. His service to community was extensive-he was a proud 53-year member of AF & AM #250, Robinson Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite bodies of Danville, the AINAD Shrine Temple, Valley of St. Louis, and the Crawford County Shrine Club. He gave back to his community in countless ways: as a volunteer firefighter with the Robinson Township Fire Department, a member of the Crawford County Rescue Squad, and part of the Marathon Emergency Response Team. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Lynn Tuttle of Robinson, Illinois; daughters Valerie (Aaron) Austin and Angie (Brian) Robb, both of Robinson; grandchildren Alison (Nathan) Schwarz of Temple, Texas, Owen Austin of Louisville, Kentucky, Elijah Robb of Robinson, and Brianna Robb of Evansville, Indiana; his sister, Jane (Edward) Rogers of Brownsburg, Indiana and sister in-law Glenda Beabout. He also leaves behind nephews Brian (Ann) Rogers, Patrick (Paula) Beabout, and Christopher (Sherri) Beabout, several great-nephews, and one great-niece. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Donald H. and Myrtle Beabout; and his brother-in-law, Donald E. Beabout. A funeral service celebrating Stephen's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois, with Pastor Tim Watson officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Eaton–Grand Prairie Cemetery, north of Robinson. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The American Diabetes Association, The American Kidney Foundation, or to the charity of the donor's choice, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson is honored to serve the Tuttle family and celebrate the life of a man whose legacy of kindness, service, and love will long be remembered.