Steve Greenlee

Steven Clyde Greenlee, 75, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025.

Steve was born in Centralia, Illinois, on January 6, 1950, to Viola (Nichols) Sears and Herschel Greenlee. In 1968, Steve joined the Army where he proudly served his country in the 556th Transportation Company in the Vietnam War. On September 1, 1976, Steve married the love of his life, Kathy (Reed) Greenlee, and together they raised two children, Jesse and Nickolas.

In the 1980s, he was a journeyman at World Color Press, but even after often having to work a double shift, he still found the energy to coach his sons’ baseball team or play a game of catch. In 2014, he retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections after 22 years.

A lifelong lover of music, Steve was a talented drummer who performed with numerous bands and enjoyed countless jam sessions with his friends. When he wasn’t behind the drum kit, you could often find him on the pickleball or tennis courts. Steven Clyde could just as easily serve you a wicked backhand on the tennis court as he could serve up his legendary “El Guapo’s Tacos” in the kitchen. Steve will be remembered for his humor, his rhythm, his brevity, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kathy; his two sons, Jesse (Shannon) Greenlee and Nick Greenlee; his sisters, Gay (Bert) Chapman, Tena (Brian) Schrage, and Vicky (Van) Bell; and his brother, Ron (Chris) Sears, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Per his request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Unfortunately, his request for a Viking funeral pyre was denied by local authorities — although he was certain there would be no shortage of people who would have liked the opportunity to shoot flaming arrows at him.

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