Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
Stephen Leslie Palmer 1950-2025 Stephen Leslie “Steve” Palmer, 74, of Gays, a retired IGRC clergy member, died Jan. 19, 2025, in Gays. Born Sept. 8, 1950, in Glendale, Stephen was the son of John and Mildred (Rushing) Palmer.
He married his wife, Linda April 27, 1974, while he was attending school at Asbury Theological Seminary. He was also a 1968 gradu- ate of Pope County High School and received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Steve loved worshipping Jesus and preaching about him. He accepted God’s call into the ministry through The United Methodist Church, entering as a probationary member in 1974 and ordained a full elder in 1977. He faithfully served the following pastorates during his 40 years of active ministry in the former Southern Illinois and later, Illinois Great Rivers Conference: Mount Erie-Enterprise-West; Carrier Mills-Stonefort; Kin- mundy: First-Wesley; Carterville and Pana, from where he retired in 2016. He loved the congregations entrusted to him throughout the years and especially enjoyed visiting and talking with the older folks until suddenly, he became one. Steve found comfort in the trustworthiness of the Word of God and God’s faithfulness to his people. Steve is survived by his wife, Linda; twin sons, Jeremy Palmer (Kim Jackson) of Hillsboro and Jason Palmer (Joy) of Shelbyville; daughter, Jenny Orrick (Ryan) of Gays; sister, Char- lotte Palmer of Simpson; brother, Donald Boaz (Betty) of LaFollette, Tenn.; grandchildren, Tyler Palmer, James Palmer, Jake Palmer, Jackson Palmer, Madi Orrick and Sam Orrick. Steve loved his entire family, especially his grandchildren, and considered them gifts from God. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John David Palmer (Lana). Funeral services for Stephen Leslie Palmer were Jan. 25, 2025 at the Glendale UMC, Simp- son. Burial followed in Glendale Cemetery, Simpson.
Paul A. Paskewitz 1933-2024 The Rev. Paul A. Paskewitz, 91, an IGRC retired clergy member, died June 28, 2024, in Danville. Born May 27, 1933, Rev. Paskewitz began his ministry in the Evan- gelical Church. His orders were recognized by the former Central Illinois Conference in 1965 and he served 30 years in active ministry, serving the following pastorates: Wenona St. John’s, Decatur: Wesley-
Long Creek; Alexis-North Henderson; Greenfield-Rockbridge; Washburn-Lowpoint; Danville McKinley-Bowman Ave.; Winchester; Bement and Saunemin, from where he retired in 1995. His wife, Estella Paskewitz, preceded him in death Oct. 30, 2022. Per his request, there were no funeral services.
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