Steve Shrader's Obituary
Stephen A. Shrader, 77, of Charleston, IL, passed away in his home on Thursday, December 26, 2024 in Charleston, IL. He was born Saturday, July 26, 1947, in Charleston, IL, the son of Paul Leroy and Frances Evelyn (Anderson) Shrader. He married the love of his life, Juanetia E. White in Charleston, IL on December 23, 1967.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juanetia E. Shrader; son, Rob (Jen) Shrader of Westfield, Illinois; son-in-law, Kevin Oakley of Charleston, Illinois; grandchildren, Ben (Katy) Oakley, Emilie Oakley (Fiancé Ben Thorton), Addison Shrader, and Rylee Shrader; great-grandchildren, Beck and Briggs Oakley; brother, David (Shelly) Shrader, and sister-in-law, Judy Biggs. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lori A. Oakley; his parents, Paul Shrader and Frances Shrader; and one brother, Jim Shrader.
Steve was a 1965 graduate of Charleston High School and later earned his associate's degree from DeVry University in Lisle, IL. After moving to Fort Worth, TX, he worked at General Dynamics. He returned to Illinois to work at Magnavox in Champaign. In 1970, Steve moved to Charleston, where he worked for Illinois Consolidated in the switching office as an electrical repairman. His passion was always farming where he eventually landed in fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning a grain and livestock farm with his children and grandchildren. In 2024, he was named Coles County Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year.
Steve was a dedicated member of Providence Separate Baptist Church in Charleston, IL. He took his roles on various boards seriously, always striving to make them as effective as possible and benefit the members. He served as a board director for the Coles County Farm Bureau, Coles County Moultrie Electric Cooperative, and Pheasants Forever.
A passionate horse rider, Steve enjoyed attending local auctions, watching westerns on TV, and supporting his grandchildren in their various activities. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston, IL. Visitation will be Monday, December 30, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Memorial donations may be made to Coles County Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation in the name of Lori Oakley, 719 W. Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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