Steven Allen Thompson, lovingly known as Papa and Big Red, of Marshall, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home in his recliner on July 15, 2026, at 10:46 p.m., surrounded by the love of his family. He was 78 years old. Steve was born on January 5, 1948, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, to John David Thompson and Norma Jean Thompson.

Steve was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard of Illinois and as a Reserve of the Army in June of 1974, after serving for six years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randall Thompson. On September 20, 1969, Steve married the love of his life, Diane Taylor, at Marshall First Christian Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and hard work that spanned more than 56 wonderful years. He is survived by his devoted wife; his son, Jeff Thompson and wife Melissa of Noblesville, Indiana; his daughter, Julie Bennett and husband Nathan of Marshall, Illinois; his grandchildren, Trevor Howald and wife Taylor of Marshall, Illinois, Emily Thompson of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Margaret, Andrew, and Anne Thompson of Noblesville, Indiana; a great grandson, Archie Allen, on the way that he was so excited to meet; and several nieces and nephews; his brother Gary Thompson and wife Tracey of Marshall, Illinois; his sister Joyce Setzer and husband David of Marshall, Illinois.

Steve was a lifelong professional farmer who loved the land and took great pride in his work. As one friend fondly said, "He didn't need GPS to plant a straight row." Farming wasn't simply his occupation—it was who he was. But if you asked Steve what mattered most, the answer wasn't found in the fields. It was found around his living room filled with his grandchildren, on truck rides with Gary & Deb Morgan, at Texas Roadhouse surrounded by friends, or wherever family and friends had gathered. A good crop was gratifying, but the people he loved and time spent with them was priceless. Steve never knew a stranger. To him, everyone was family. He had an incredible gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His smile lit up every room, his laugh was contagious, and his personality was larger than life. He was the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward—a loyal friend, a trusted confidant, and someone who always had time to listen, offer encouragement, or share a little wisdom. Above all else, Steve adored being Papa. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and there was nowhere he would rather be than surrounded by them. They were, without question, the greatest harvest of his life.

One of Steve's favorite reminders was, "Save the fork... the best is yet to come." It was more than a saying—it was the way he lived. He believed in hope, treasured every moment, and looked forward to what God had prepared beyond this life.

A memorial service honoring Steve's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (CST) at Marshall First Christian Church, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Rayne Meadow Event Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Milkmaids or the Marshall First Christian Church Youth Ministry or simply tip your favorite bartender a little extra in his memory. Steve leaves behind a legacy of hard work, unwavering generosity, steadfast friendship, and unconditional love. While his family will miss his laughter, his stories, his wisdom, and his unmistakable presence, they take comfort knowing that, as Steve would say...

"Save the fork—the best is yet to come."