Gary Lee Steury of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 6:12 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born April 27, 1958 in Las Cruses, New Mexico to Charles and Garnet Steury. Gary married, the love of his life, Janis (Martin) Steury on October 10, 2010 in Laughlin, Nevada, standing in the Colorado River.
During his 64 years, 7 months, and 6 days in this world, he was very loved by family and friends. Gary will be desperately missed by everyone that knew him. He was always available to help a friend or family in need. Gary made the world a better place for all.
In addition to his most beloved wife, Gary is survived by his father, Charles Steury and wife, Shirley of Fairfield, Illlinois; mother-in-law, Carol Martin of Mount Vernon, Illinois; two bonus sons, David Pitman (Shawnee) of Valparaiso, Indiana, Richard Harper of Geff, Illinois; three brothers, Mark Steury (Jonnie) of Geff, Illinois, Earl Steury (significant other, Katie Daniel), Karl Steury; one sister, Tina Koker (Robert) all of Fairfield, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Gayle Eblin of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Stefani Martin (significant other, Jan Williams) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Barbara of Mount Vernon, Illinois; bonus grandchildren, Cheyanne Pitman, Sidney Harper, Sage Williamson, Brendan Pitman, Seth Williamson; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; lifelong friend, Caroll Williams of Fairfield, Illinois; and his faithful companion, Bruizer.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Charles David Steury; mother, Garnet Beaulieu Steury; father-in-law, Richard Martin; brother and sister-in-law, Edgar and Diana Steury; and brother-in-law, Randy Eblin.
Gary worked at Jefferson County Highway Dept for seventeen years. He then went to the City of Mount Vernon Fleet Services for another fourteen years, where he retired as a certified master mechanic technician. Then joining the workforce again at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts for four and a half years. As well as working with several private contractors, throughout his career.
Gary’s love of the outdoors is an understatement, fishing, swimming, hunting, and camping just to name a few. Between canoeing in the lake to chopping wood for a fire, he always wanted to be outdoors. He has had a special relationship with his niece, Carley Jordan, teaching her how to love the outdoors just as much as he. He loved his grandchildren dearly and always found a joy with them in their adventures. Gary loved to travel the country and see the sites.
Gary was the Senior Deacon in the Masonic Lodge 31 in Mount Vernon, Illinois and a former Chaplain of American Legion in Bluford, Illinois.
A special thank you to sister-in-law, Gayle Eblin for being available at every waking moment for absolutely anything needed. Another special thank you to our dear friends, Deb and Chris Carson, who held our fur baby close when we couldn’t. A special word for most of the hard working, empathetic SSM community, which took care of Gary was a blessing.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 12 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Museum in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Remarks will be given at 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary’s honor to help with final expenses, either at the Celebration of Life at Cedarhurst or may be sent to Hughey Funeral Home, both in Mount Vernon.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.