69-year-old Steven D. Neikirk of Mt. Carmel, died Monday, May 10 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.
Steven was born February 3, 1952, in Lancaster, Illinois, the son of John Harold and Lola Marie (Gawthorp) Neikirk. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in the class of 1970. On October 27, 1979, Steven married Judy Blain in Friendsville, Illinois.
He attended Lancaster Christian Church. Steven was a member of Lancaster Community Club and Illinois Laborer’s Union #1197. Steven worked as a general laborer in construction. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially blackberry picking and working in his garden. Steven was an amazing cook and was famous for his chicken and noodles. He would drop anything to help someone in need. His greatest love was his family and being “Pop” to his grandchildren. Home was his favorite place.
Left to cherish Steven’s memory is his wife, Judy, of 41 years of marriage; children John K. (Dana Roberson) Neikirk of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Jessie (Alex) Eblen of Evansville, Indiana; siblings, John (Sue) Neikirk, Larry (Darlene) Neikirk, Robert (Cathy) Neikirk, Linda Perkins, Katherine Neikirk, Marilyn Neikirk (Bernard Turpin), Terry (Debbie) Neikirk and Judy (Jeff) Landingham; grandchildren Hannah, Grace, Sam and Sophie Eblen; and many nieces and nephews.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Joyce DeHaven and Gene Neikirk.
A funeral service will be held Friday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Home (517 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel). Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery at Lancaster.
Friends and family are welcome to a visitation prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at 2:00 p.m.
Please enter through the garage.
COVID-19 precautions, wearing of face coverings, social distancing and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
Memorials may be made to WRAC (Wabash Rally Against Cancer). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Neikirk family.