Steven J. Cripe

He was born in Springfield on July 22, 1957, the son of Joseph and Carole (Graham) Cripe.

He was the third of six children and was well known around their neighborhood of Laketown where he could be found racing around on anything with wheels and a motor. At age 16, he met and fell in love with Cathy Tega. They married in 1977 and were married for 32 years, having their two children, Kevin and Kelly, during that time. As a family, they enjoyed years of baseball, camping, dirt bike racing, gardening, and being home with their various beloved dogs.

Steve owned and operated his own tree business, Top Notch Tree Services before moving to work at the Department of Public Works where he worked his way to becoming superintendent. He was a well loved and respected coworker and boss to many great guys at the City.

Steve was a dedicated and talented golfer. He hit countless eagles and birdies, one incredible hole-in-one at Bunn Golf Course, and even chucked a few clubs in his day! Steve was known for his love of the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois basketball.

The light of his life, however, was being PawPaw to his two grandchildren, Lucyana and Dominic. He adored them and made it to every basketball game and BMX race, and even celebrated his own birthday at Chuck E. Cheese each year, just for them.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Adam Cripe; brother, Jim Cripe; sister, Cathi Cripe; and his mother Carole (Graham) Cripe.

Steve is survived by his children Kevin Cripe of High Ridge, MO, and Kelly (Justin) Costello of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Lucyana and Dominic Costello; father, Joe Cripe of Duluth, GA; brothers, Bill Cripe of Springfield, Dave Cripe of Lawrenceville, GA, and Tim (Michelle) Cripe of Cumming, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

His children would like to share a special thank you to everyone that helped care for Steve, especially to our Uncle Bill, our mom, Cathy Cripe, our Aunt Mary, our cousins Lisa and Kristin, Barb, Elaine, and Lyndsey and Hands of God Hospice. We will be forever grateful for the love and support you gave our dad.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, until the time of the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Mike Koschmann officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.