Aline "Steve" Stevens

Herrin- Aline Steve Stevens, 79, of Herrin passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of January 20, 2008. Aline was born on October 1, 1928 in Anguilla, MS to Douglas & Margie (Cole) Stevens. He left home early to join the Marine Corp., and as with so many of his generation, Aline would be defined by his more than 20 years in the service to his country. He served three tours of combat duty as staff sergeant; one in Korea and two in Vietnam. After he entered the Marine Corp, Steve met Betty Jo Younger and they married on May 24, 1951 in Greenville, NC. She would be his wife of fifty-five years, preceding him in death on August 15, 2006. Once honorably discharged from his military career, he moved his family to Southern Illinois and began a long association, that lasted over twenty-five years, with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Aline was a lifetime member of the Herrin American Legion. He enjoyed the company of friends, family and fellow veterans, all of whom will miss him very much. Survivors include- Son- Jim Stevens of Energy Daughter & son in law- Rhonda & Scot Pagano of Palm Beach Gardens, FL Daughter & son in law- Debbe & Craig Young of Overland Park, KS Son & daughter in law- Doug & Leanne Stevens of Herrin Sixteen grandchildren Thirteen great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, and four brothers- Ardell, Johnny G., Robert D. & Henry E. Stevens. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Military rites will be performed at the funeral home by the Herrin VFW & American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Private entombment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or the Herrin American Legion and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.