Stephen "Steve" Gary Wilson Sr.

Born September 19, 1949, in Peoria to Leon and Frances (Tyson) Wilson. He married Nannette Champion on June 23, 1984, in his mother’s back yard in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Amy Campbell of Peoria, Mike (Corine) Wilson of Creve Coeur, Lorena (Brad) Masterson of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Ray (Michelle) Crotts of Bartonville; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Marianne (Norm) Sales of East Peoria and Linda (Bob) Mummert of Indiana; one brother, Terry (Rosemary) Wilson of Peoria and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Stephen Wilson Jr., and one brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Wilson.

Steve was a United States veteran of the Navy as well as Peoria Eagles #265.

For 42 years Steve worked as a welder at Komatsu, starting in 1970 and retiring as a maintenance welder. He loved his job, but it came to a surprise to those who knew him that he didn’t work outdoors. He loved camping, fishing, and playing horseshoes. Steve was a Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. In his younger years he played pool, slot machines and dice with his father-in-law.

A gathering celebrating Steve’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the VFW of Peoria Heights. Military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

Memorial contributions can be made to Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 Wood Sage Road, Peoria, Illinois 61615.

To express condolences online, visit Preston-Hanley.com