Stephen Ray Utley, age 74

July 18, 1951 – October 14, 2025

Stephen Ray Utley, age 74, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 6:23 PM – Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his home.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM – Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Plainfield Community Church, 17605 North 1280th Street, Hidalgo, Illinois (east of Rose Hill).  A service celebrating Steve's life will follow with his brother Rick Britton officiating.  In loving memory of Steve, memorials may be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice or Plainfield Community Church.  Arrangements are under the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Stephen Ray was born on July 18, 1951, in Robinson, Illinois, the only child of Henry Clancy and Florence Marion (Fear) Utley, Jr.  Henry passed away on February 3, 1955, when Steve was just 3 years old.  Florence married Richard Daniel Britton on December 10, 1955, and he raised Steve as his own.  Steve graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1969.

Steve served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He entered the service on March 12, 1971, and was honorably discharged on March 12, 1973, and was stationed in Germany.

Steve married Pamela Kay Addis, and she survives.

Steve was a union laborer for over 40 years.  For over 15 years, Steve worked in Chicago, as a supervisor for a company that did asbestos and lead removal.    He was a member of the Plainfield Community Church, Jasper Post #20 American Legion, VFW Post 7537 and the Laborer's International Local 1197.  He enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and spending time with his family.

Steve is survived by:

Loving Wife – Pamela Utley of Newton, Illinois

Children – Stephanie Wagner of Newton, Illinois; Daniel (Mandi) Utley of Newton, Illinois; Eugene (Jenni) Utley of Newton, Illinois; and Jonathan (Audrey) Utley of Washington, Indiana

12 Grandchildren

2 Great Grandchildren

Siblings – Danny (Ann) Britton, Rick (Marla) Britton, Kim (Steve) Cummins, and Shelia (Scott) Schroedter all of Newton, Illinois

Sisters-in-law – Brenda Addis, Beverly Boldrey and Sherri Shamhart all of Newton, Illinois

Brother-in-law – Bradley Addis (Sharon Helregel) of Newton, Illinois

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Henry Utley, Jr, Florence and Richard Britton, daughter Shasta Utley, sister-in-law Diana Addis, brother-in-law Mark Cummins, mother-in-law Linda Stuckey and father-in-law Dean Addis.