Area Obituaries
Pastor Stephen Emery Killion, age 83 of Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Helia Healthcare of Olney. He was born October 1, 1939, to Paul and Gladys (Miller) Killion. On October 7, 1971, Steve married Edith Howe in San Diego, CA. For 51 years, Steve and Edith lived hand in hand and made many beautiful memories. As a young man, Steve served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army. He then earned his Master’s Degree in business at Pasadena University. Steve began his career in business in San Diego, California by becoming the youngest store manager of Walker-Scotts department store. From there he and Edie moved to Eureka, California where they very soon started their own business of Killion's Hallmark and Needle Crafts. After doing this for 20 years, Steve became the West Coast Manager for Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1992, Steve took a job as President of Human Resources at Casey Tool and Machine, in Casey, Illinois. Again, years later he answered his calling to become a Minister in the United Methodist Church. Pastor Steve (PS or Papa), loved his work with everyone as a minister. He began preaching in the Cumberland County area and then moved to Bridgeport for 10 years where he and Edie became part of the Lawrence County Community. After serving in Bridgeport, Pastor Steve and Edie moved to Clinton, Illinois for 3 years finish out his service. Pastor Stephen Emery Killion served others without reservation for his entire life. He was a man who loved his wife, lifted his children and grandchildren up and touched the lives of numerous people wherever he was. He should be remembered as a man of great spiritual strength, a servant of God and a Prayer Warrior. Surviving family includes: his wife- Edith Killion of Bridgeport: three children- Stephen Killion and fiance Ashley of Lawrenceville, IL; Jennifer Mitchell of Raleigh, NC; and Christopher Beachley and wife Sharon of San Diego, CA: seven grandchildren- Stephen and Trenten Killion, Jayley and Jase Akers, Justin Mitchell and wife Christina, and Stephanie and Michael Beachley: and one great-granddaughter on the way. Steve was preceded in death by: his parents- Paul and Gladys Killion: one sister- Joanne Miller: and a daughter-in-law- Christine Killion. A visitation will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Graveside services will follow at Lawrenceville City Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Parkinson Disease Association directly of through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
