Mr. Steven McNeill

Dec 30th, 1960 - May 1st, 2015
27 Guests

Visitation:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Sat, May. 9th, 2015 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM

Service:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Sat, May. 9th, 2015 2:00 PM

Burial:

Egyptian Memorial Gardens

Sat, May. 9th, 2015 2:30 PM

Marion- Steven McNeill, 54, of Marion, formerly of Herrin, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015 while travelling in Mexico.

Steven was born on December 30, 1960 in Herrin to Donald Henderson and Elizabeth Lorraine (Witzel) McNeill. He married Teresa Ensinger on June 30, 2012 in Mexico. She survives of Marion.

Steven was a longtime area jeweler who has owned and operated Diamond Designs in Marion since 1997. He was civically active and a longtime member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. He was a former Boy Scout leader for several years and remained active in Boy Scouts of America. He was an advocate for the Poshard Foundation and Pat’s Kids.

He had a big heart and a bigger personality. Steven was quite witty and comical and as a result, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed entertaining people and cooking for his friends and family. He travelled the world extensively and was an avid scuba diver. His favorite dive spot was the Isla Mujeres in Mexico. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include-

Wife- Teresa McNeill of Marion

Seven children:

Liz McNeill and Jason Miller of Herrin

Jami Mazurek and husband John of Auburn, IL

Patrick McNeill of Herrin

Molly McNeill and fiancé Christian Thomas of Herrin

Cody Webb of Carterville

Nathan Webb and fiancée, Sierra of Pinckneyville

Ryan Judd

Three grandchildren:

Jobe and Josie Miller of Herrin

Rylynn Mazurek of Auburn

Sister- Dawn Marie McNeill of Herrin

Several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother- Mark Allen McNeill.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Mr. Wayne Hosman will deliver the eulogy. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Saturday, at the funeral home. A private committal service will be held later at Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Poshard Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.

27 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Pat Benton

    From: carterville, Illinois

    Date: May 4, 2015

    Steve was one of the best people I ever met. Always asking “What can I do to help?” He loved all kids and his own most of all. I love this guy. it hurts that he is gone. Southern Illinois could not have had a better friend. we will all miss him in ways we don’t even realize because he never asked for praise or the spotlight, he just always stepped up. God Bless Steve’s family as you try to make it through all this. I will miss him every day.

  • Guest: Amy and Tony Ralls

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: May 4, 2015

    Steve has been a wonderful friend for many years. He will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family during this very difficult and trying time. Steve has touched the lives of more people than anyone may ever realize.

  • Guest: Sherry & Mike Dailey

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 4, 2015

    We want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Steve’s family, friends and his Diamond Design Family. I met Steve because my shop was next to his for 14 1/2 yrs. I will remember him most for what he always did for Pat’s Kids but also his kindness towards me. He always asked my input or asked me to join in his events in some small way. We like most are in shock. Southern Illinois lost a great business man and he will be missed by many.

  • Guest: Kathy Hall

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: May 4, 2015

    Steve was full of smiles and warm words for all. He knew his business, but he knew his customers even better! He will be greatly missed. Gone way too early.

  • Guest: Adam McCowen

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 5, 2015

    Steve was my boyscout leader when I was a child. Such a caring person who always put others before himself. He was a good role model and someone that all could look up to. Our condolences and greatest sympathies go out to his children and family. You are all in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

  • Guest: Michelle Brenner

    From: Dickson, Tennessee

    Date: May 5, 2015

    Steve has been a friend over many years. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

  • Guest: Pamela Hines Jennings

    From: johnston city, Illinois

    Date: May 6, 2015

    Sorry for your loss Prayers

  • Guest: Jim and Jan Griffith

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 6, 2015

    Sincere condolences to the family. God’s blessings and Grace be with you.

  • Guest: Bob and Marlene Simpson

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 6, 2015

    Steve was a very dear friend of ours. He will be missed by so many. May God be with his family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Know that we will keep his memory with us for ever.
    Bob and Marlene Simpson
    Herrin City Clerk

  • Guest: Brenda & Steve Buttrum

    From: Pittsburg, Illinois

    Date: May 6, 2015

    So sorry to hear of your loss and a dear friend of mine…he was such a loving person. I will miss him. Will keep ya’ll in my prayers.

  • Guest: Jane Owens Tate

    From: Memphis, Tennessee

    Date: May 6, 2015

    So sorry for your loss. May God be with you all through your grieving process. Praying for you all. Steven was a wonderful person. God just gained another angel.

  • Guest: Emily Lind

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: May 7, 2015

    Steve had been a family friend since my parents designed their wedding bands at Diamond Designs. He did such amazing work in his profession and our family came around for years. Having grown up with Patrick and Molly, our parents began to become friends at school functions. I remember Steve for his smile and laugh, which both couldn’t go unnoticed! Whether I saw “at work” Steve or “my friend’s dad” Steve, he always made me feel that he genuinely cared for each customer, friend, and stranger he met. He will be sorely missed.

  • Guest: Rebecca(Becky ) Winter

    From: Antioch, , Tennessee

    Date: May 7, 2015

    He is a great man and friend, had a lot a high school classes with Steve . Always a smile on his face. He looked at all the good in life…. And always made you laugh. What a great friend . He will be missed . My prayers are with you all !!! His friend and yours always… Becky Winter

  • Guest: Steve Walker

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 8, 2015

    You’ll be missed my friend… Rest in peace.

  • Guest: Widney Walker Hawthorne

    From: San Diego, California

    Date: May 8, 2015

    My sympathy to Teresa and the rest of the family, friends and community for the loss of such a great fellow way too soon.
    May your memories bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time.
    Would always stop in to say hello when back in Southern Illinois. Steve always had a smile and time to visit. Such a sad loss.

    Much sympathy, Widney

  • Guest: David and Miranda Groh

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 8, 2015

    What a great Neighbor! Theresa, we are still in shock, and are so very sorry for your loss! We will always remember seeing him in the yard and chatting by the road about the wedding, Bosko, jewelry, and fishing! He made a part of my engagement/wedding ring so he will stay with so many people! We hope you find peace in the fact that he passed, doing what he loved, where he loved, with who he loved!!! we lost an amazing man…please reach out if there is anything we can do. Our prayers are with you and your family!

  • Guest: Mike & Bonnie Darter

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 8, 2015

    Our sincere sympathy to the family.
    We had truly enjoyed doing business with Steve at Diamond Design for many years. He took pride and done great work for his customers. Always had a big smile and very helpful. We will miss him.
    Our prayers are for the family, may God be with you during such a difficult time.

  • Guest: Joyce Followell

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    Steve will be missed by all. He always had a smile!!!!

  • Guest: Jan Pigge

    From: Mt Vernon, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Guest: Henry Polk

    From: C'dale, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    Although I did not know Steve a very long time, I can say that he was one of those people you kinda’ like as soon as you meet. A smile, an outstretched hand, a genuine feeling of friendship he seemed to offer. I’m sure many will miss his presence in their lives and myself, I feel fortunate to have known Steve and … to know I’ll see him again.

    I offer my condolences to the family.

  • Guest: Garry and Barbara Gilbert

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    You all have our very deepest sympathy and our prayers are with you during this time. You have lost a dear family member and we have indeed lost a very special and dear friend also.

  • Guest: Corinne Steveson

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    My husband Bob and I were shocked and saddened by your loss. We have know Steve since Bob and Steve worked at Diamond Designs in San Diego many years ago. When we came home for visits we would see Steve and he kept telling us to move back to Southern Illinois. We finally did and have kept up our friendship over the years and watched as your family grew up. We would stop by the store in Marion just to talk and have a hug from Steve. I saw him a few weeks ago and we were going to visit after the trip. We will miss his smile and wit and hugs. God Bless all of you!

  • Guest: Chris Feil

    From: Rancho Cucamonga, California

    Date: May 9, 2015

    Steve was my first friend, when I moved to Herrin in 1967. My house was right behind his, and he came over to introduce himself. He was my best friend. When they built the house in Harrison Woods, Steve took me over to watch the construction. Over the years a group of us spent many summers there, building various clubhouses, running around the woods, camping out most nights, learning about life.
    I hung around Don’s jewelry and decided to follow Steve into that business. In 1984, I went to CA to the GIA. I was in Steve’s wedding with Rose. They returned to Herrin to start a life, I stayed here in CA.
    Over the years we lost touch. Steve went on to become the father and great person you all knew. I’m really sorry I missed that. My condolences go out to Dawn, Teresa, all of Steve’s children, and everyone who was close. He will be missed.

  • Guest: Miles and Brenda Hopper

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: May 9, 2015

    The first time I meet Steve was about 40 years ago when I went to his fathers store to see our wedding rings he had designed for us .He was such a nice young man. Years later I went to his store to have him design a ring for my husband for our aniversary. Steve always had a way about him. He made every customer feel like they were his favorite. He was a true gentlemen. Our prayers are with you May God ease your sorrow and fill your hearts with happy and loving memories

  • Guest: Angel Lemons

    From: Plainfield , Illinois

    Date: May 12, 2015

    A life time friend that will be missed and never forgotten. Steve had a beautiful soul along with his smile, nothing but good memories. Rest in peace my friend, you will always be in my heart. Condolences and prayers to the McNeil family.

  • Guest: Kathi odum

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 12, 2015

    He was the best jeweler around. He made many rings for me. And i love them all. What a joy he was. I’m so sorry for your loss, For family and friends. You are all in my prayers.

  • Guest: Yolonde B. Peterson

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: May 26, 2015

    To the family of Steve, He was a jeweler craftsman of the highest order and he was so community minded. He will be missed in both areas. He was most helpful to me in fund raising a few years back, and he remained ever so active in such activities. Condolences to all.