Steven Jay Morthole, 76, of Jacksonville, IL, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 7, 1948, in Jacksonville, the son of Edward J. and Dorothy L. (Patterson) Morthole. He was first married to Susan A. McHatton. He then married Martha "Marty" Pate on May 26, 1990, in Murrayville and she survives.

He is also survived by three daughters and one son, Tiffany S. McDannald of Sunrise Beach, MO, Tarah S. (Chris) Richardson of Jacksonville, Jamey Wagstaff of Murrayville, and Darcy (Mike) Neal of Murrayville; nine grandchildren, Chloe McDannald, Cole McDannald, Kenady Richardson, Tyson Richardson, Tanner Jay Richardson, Molly Wagstaff, Tinley Wagstaff, Nevada Neal, and Raven Neal; one great grandson, Coy Wagstaff; and his sister, Dixie (Mike) Holtgrewe of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Mark Morthole.

Steve "Mort" was a 1966 graduate of Jacksonville High School, "Once a Crimson always a Crimson." After that he attended and graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a bachelor's degree in drafting. He was the founder and CEO of Steve Morthole Masonry/Concrete and Snow Removal in Jacksonville, recently celebrating his 50th year in the business. He was a long-time active member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church where he served as a member of the security team. He also served as Assistant Fire Chief and EMT for South Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, was a member of the Morgan County Dive Team, and a member of the Morgan County ESDA Team. He served on the Board of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, on the Board of Central Laborers Welfare and Pension Fund, and was a member of Western Illinois Contractors.

He was a huge supporter of JHS Crimson sports, and was especially proud when he was chosen to lay the Brick Memory Patio at The Bowl. His pride and joy were his family, and he lived for them. Steve shared salvation and his love of Jesus Christ with everyone he could.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.