Stephen "Steve" Goff

Stephen "Steve" Goff, 64, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in the comfort of his mother's home. Born on August 19, 1960, in Vincennes, IN, Steve was a man who found his greatest joy under the warmth of the sun, whether on a job site or at a beach with a fishing pole in hand.

Growing up in Robinson, Steve attended Robinson High School, but school wasn't exactly where his passions lay. Instead, he set his sights beyond the classroom and, after graduation, found his way to the Houston, TX, area, where he spent four decades soaking up the sunshine and embracing life to the fullest. Texas suited him well—its heat, the bustling energy, and most importantly, the endless fishing opportunities! Whether casting a line in the Gulf of Mexico or along Texas' winding rivers, Steve could spend hours enjoying the thrill of the catch, the serenity of the water, and the satisfaction of a well-earned meal of fresh seafood. His work as a crane rigger took him across the United States and beyond, including the Bahamas and Virgin Islands. Steve built and rigged cranes with a fearless spirit, climbing towering structures that offered him views most people could only dream of. He thrived in those demanding environments, known for his dependability, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle even the toughest jobs. For Steve, work wasn't just a way to make a living—it was a source of pride, a way to stay busy, and an opportunity to see the world.

Despite his rugged, sun-worn appearance, Steve had a soft, generous heart. He often busied himself for the benefit of others, be that fixing bicycles for his nieces and nephews, crafting walking sticks for family members, or rearranging his mom's cabinets—whether she wanted him to or not! He also had a knack for showing love through food, whipping up meals that brought people together and left them satisfied. His fried potatoes were the stuff of legend, and his authentic Texas-style breakfast burritos were always a hit. Whether it was smoking a brisket in his one-of-a-kind smoker made from the remnants of an old ship or cooking up a feast of Mexican food inspired by his years in Texas, Steve took pride in filling plates and bellies with his culinary creations. Steve had other passions as well. He enjoyed blasting his music, whether it was KISS, Stevie Ray Vaughan, or Jimmy Buffett, and his tunes were always cranked up for everyone to enjoy! Quieter moments found him reading Westerns and mysteries, watching documentaries, and keeping up with Jeopardy, often knowing the answers before anyone else could chime in. Something of a collector, he possessed an impressive array of knives, survival gear, and tactical supplies, and was always prepared for whatever life might bring his way.

But life has a way of slowing even the most unstoppable forces. In July of 2022, Steve was diagnosed with cancer, a battle that would take much from him, but never his spirit. Faced with the reality of his illness, he made the difficult decision to leave behind the warmth and familiarity of Texas and return to Illinois on April 30, 2023, seeking the comfort and support of his family. The transition wasn’t easy—his body grew weaker, and the Midwest cold was an unwelcome change for someone who had spent decades basking in the sun. Steve despised the snow, keeping the blinds tightly shut whenever it covered the ground, as if doing so could make it disappear. Though his illness took away his ability to speak and enjoy many of life’s simple pleasures, Steve faced each day with resilience, relying on handwritten notes to communicate and holding on to the love of those around him. Even in his toughest moments, his quiet strength and humor shone through, and when his mother prayed for peace, Steve slipped away in his sleep, finally free from the fight.

Though Steve's journey on this earth has come to an end, his memory will live on like the gentle waves of the waters he loved, rippling through the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Steve is survived by his mother, Sharon Cowden (Robinson, IL); his children, Jeremy Lewing (Houston, TX) and Taylor Goff (Atlanta, GA); his granddaughters, Emma Lewing and Mila Lewing (Houston, TX); his sister & brother-in-law, Cathy & Randy Stewart (Nashville, TN); his nieces and nephews, Staci Butler, David Coombes, Derek & Harley Bowers, Brady & Casey Walls, Austin Goff, and Colin Goff; and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald J. Goff; his step-father, Ron Cowden; his brothers, Michael Goff and Robbie Goff; and his grandparents, Charles Hildebrand, Mildred Everingham, and Lewey & Hattie Goff.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31st, at Oak Grove Cemetery (rural Palestine, IL) with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Memorials may be made to the "American Cancer Society", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.