BENTON – Steven Louis Meno, age 60, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at home surround with love on Thursday, March 19, 2025, after facing pancreatic cancer with remarkable grace and optimism.
Born on April 22, 1964, in Midland, Michigan, to Gerald Meno and Janice Vanmeter, Steve lived a life defined by love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family.
Steve married the love of his life, Lisa, on October 18, 2014. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa who touched the lives of everyone around him with his vigor for life, unending optimism, and boundless patience and kindness. To know him was to love him.
Among his many joys in life, being a grandpa topped the list—and by all accounts, he was the absolute best one out there. He took great pride in maintaining his yard in tip-top shape, planting flowers, and watching them grow. Last year, he was particularly proud of growing his first successful tomato plant. He was a huge Benton Ranger football fan, probably the loudest cowbell in the stadium. Steve also loved to travel, cook and enjoyed an eclectic taste in music. His faith in Jehovah guided his life and was reflected in his natural caregiving spirit. His wonderful sense of humor brought light and laughter to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
In 2007, Steve graduated from West Kentucky Community & Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, receiving his degree with High Distinction and the Outstanding Electrical Award. He continued his education at Madisonville Community College, earning another Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in 2011, along with certifications in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Meno, and his brother, Jeffrey Meno.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Meno of Benton, IL; his mother, Janice Meno of Midland, MI; and his children and their families: Caitlin Wallace and her husband Clint Wallace of Benton, IL, and their grandson Everett Wallace; Dawn Petrak and her husband Martin Petrak of Columbia, TN, and their grandson Jake Petrak; Deanna Meno of Columbia, TN; Heather Clark and her husband Grant Clark of Petoskey, MI; Johnathan Meno and his partner, Casey Guerin of Owosso, MI; Megan Skaggs and her husband Nick Skaggs of Mt. Vernon, IL, and their grandsons Nicholas Skaggs and Harrison Baughman; Scott Meno and his partner, Miranda Madden of Columbia, TN, and their grandson Hoyt Meno; and Sylvia Fuller and her husband Jonathan Fuller of Gilbertsville, KY, and their granddaughter Logan Fuller.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL. 62812.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of Memorial gifts or flowers donations can be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Steve’s legacy of love, kindness, and optimism will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com.
