Stephen "Steve" Caulkins

Stephen F. 'Jerry' Caulkins, 93, of Pekin passed away at 8:45 am Sunday, July 09, 2017 at Hallmark House Nursing Center in Pekin after a brief struggle with esophageal cancer. He was born April 18th, 1924 in Manito, Illinois. His parents Cecil and Nora (Mahr) Caulkins preceded him in death as did his brother Marlowe Caulkins and sister Eileen Bozarth. Steve graduated from Manito High School then served 26 long months in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He then worked at Corn Products/Pekin Energy for 43 years finally retiring in 1986. Steve's summers were spent gardening 'the organic way', planting from seed and canning his harvest in the fall. He spent winters in his woodshop turning pepper mills. Walking for exercise was a year-round habit and later in life he discovered the Silver Sneakers exercise group where he made new friends and cherished memories. Steve is survived by two daughters, Judy (Gerald) Marfell of Fairfield, Texas, Cindy (John) Rees of Fort Myers, Florida and a son Kent (Sally) Caulkins of Green Valley, Illinois. He also leaves behind 4 grandsons, Matthew, Markus, and Michael Marfell and Andy Caulkins as well as 2 granddaughters, Caitlin Hanaburgh and Alayna Caulkins. He is survived by his brother Nelson (Audrey) Caulkins of Manito and numerous nieces, nephews and Great grandchildren. Steve was blessed to have received the gift of a long life's journey and to enjoy his beloved home, gardening, learning something new every day, and creating things with his hands. Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2017 at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito. Visitation will be held at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. in Pekin from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday, July 13. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a children's charity of your choice in memory of Steve. Cemetery Meadow Lawn Cemetery Manito,IL 61546 Graveside Service Friday, July 14, 2017 10:00 AM Meadow Lawn Cemetery Manito,IL 61546 Visitation Thursday, July 13, 2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554