LCpl Stephen Alan Smullin

Stephen A. Smullin, 21, died unexpectedly November 28, 2022 at his residence on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He was born in Peoria October 2, 2001 to Joey V. Rose and Stephen P. Smullin, who survive him.

Stephen attended Peoria District 150 schools graduating from Washington Gifted School and Richwoods High School. At Richwoods, he was a member of the cross country and basketball teams and the Junior ROTC program. Stephen opted to advance his Richwoods graduation by a semester, to December, 2019 in order to enlist in the Marine Corps.

Upon finalization of the enlistment process, he underwent basic training at Camp Pendleton. Following basic training, he was transferred to the Infantry Training Battalion for preparation in his Military Occupation Specialty of mortarman. He was then assigned as an 81mm mortarman to the Weapons Company of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (the 3/5) with which he remained.

In October, 2020 he was selected for and completed the Assault Climber course conducted at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park climbing area.

In May, 20021 his unit was assigned for six months duty as a part of the permanently forward deployed 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) based in Okinawa, Japan. While serving within the 31st MEU, the primary base of operations for his unit was aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America within the Philippine and the China Seas

Stephen achieved the rank of Lance Corporal receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Expert Rifle Badge.

In addition to his parents survivors include his sister, Nina Smullin, great-grandmother, Juanita Brewer, grandfather, Mark Rose, aunts, Abigail Rose (Stephen Howeler), Deborah King, Elizabeth Alhindi, and uncle, Timothy Smullin.

A visitation will be conducted at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University, on Saturday, December 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a flag presentation ceremony by the Marine Honor Guard.

Cremation rights will be accorded with a future private interment.

The family wishes to particularly express its appreciation to the USMC liaisons, Capt. Zadok Self and 1st Sgt. David Arendt for their significant and kind assistance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mission 22, which is dedicated to providing veterans with needed mental health support, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.davison-fulton.com.