Steven Waggoner

Steven Ray Waggoner, 60, of Winnebago, IL went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord on December 27th, 2020.

Steve was born on September 14th, 1960 in Rockford, IL to Newton and Nellie (Kirby) Waggoner. Steve accepted Christ as his Savior at five years old during family devotions and he never strayed. He grew up among his six brothers, one sister, and lifelong best friend, Marvin Stout. After Steve graduated from Auburn high school, he joined the Navy and was in active duty for 8 years. His goal was to be a Navy Seal but due to breaking his arm three times, he was unable to pursue the underwater missions he dreamed of. Stationed in San Diego during his time in the Navy, Steve deployed several times, including standing watch on a ship in the Indian Ocean after the raid of our American embassy in Iran, while Americans were held hostage. He came home and joined the National Guard reserves and started working at the United States Postal Office. During Steve's 29 years of service in the military he was activated twice. Once in 2001 on a security naval base in Chicago and again in 2009 where he spent a year in Kabul, Afghanistan going on approximately 250 intel missions on foot. Steve retired in 2015 as 1st Sergeant of the 144th Chemical Company Homeland Security. Steve worked hard and his bravery was exceptional.

Steve met and married Suzanne (Palmeri) Waggoner on October 5th, 1988. They had four daughters, one granddaughter, and two grandsons. He deeply loved his family and in 2001 he fulfilled his dream of building his wife a home in the country with a pool. He focused all his time on his family and was looking forward to retiring and spending his golden years with Suzanne and his adult children and grandchildren. Steve was loved beyond measure and our lives will never be the same. We are heartbroken. He lead his family with grace and character. His contributions to his family and country were significant.

Survivors include wife Suzanne; daughters Kelly Albright, Kirby (Christopher Woods) Waggoner, Margaret (Johnny) Beaman, Mariah (Christian Copeland) Waggoner, Grandchildren Olivia Albright, Grant and Mason Abate; Father Newton Waggoner; Brothers Paul (Judith) Waggoner, Charles (Beth) Waggoner, John (Vickie) Waggoner, Robert (Rhonda) Waggoner, David (Ann) Waggoner, James Waggoner; Sister Ruth (Patrick) Blauch; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his mother, Nellie Waggoner.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 in McCorkle Funeral Home-Countryman Chapel 529 Washington St., Pecatonica, IL with Reverend Charles Waggoner Officiating. A visitation, following COVID guidelines of social distancing and wearing of masks, will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday. Cremation Rites to be Accorded.