Stephen Charles Esker, age 74, of Maryville, IL, born January 13, 1948, in Moline, IL, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in his home.

Stephen attained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He worked for BITCO Insurance Company for 50 years as a premium auditor and was the awardee of the company's annual premium audit award every year.  Stephen served for many years as a Deacon at First United Presbyterian Church in Collinsville.  He was a fastidious record keeper, which included daily journal entries since he was a young child. He had an unbelievable work ethic. He was an avid fitness buff and sport enthusiast.  He was a kind, gentle, loving, compassionate son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who was deeply loved and admired by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eleanor ( nee Zimmerman ) Esker Lovell; stepfather Charles "Earl" Lovell; three grandchildren:  Amelia, Andrea, and Rylen; and a stepsister, Sharon Ellexson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara ( nee French ) Esker, whom he married June 16, 1973; two daughters:  Jana (Kyle) Hunt of Edwardsville and Krista (Robert) Black of Arlington Heights, IL; four grandchildren:  Zoe and Lucia Black, Bennett and Ellory Hunt; and a sister, Kathryn (Ronald) Cabay of Moline, IL.

Memorial visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at First United Presbyterian Church, 201 East Church Street, Collinsville, IL.

A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Zach Lysdahl.

Memorials may be made in Stephen's honor to First United Presbyterian Church. They will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.