Steven James McAllaster (70) of Effingham

Steven James McAllaster, 70, of Effingham, IL, formerly of Hutchinson, KS, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Steven was born on March 5, 1953, in Sterling, Kansas, the son of James and Mildred (Baer) McAllaster. He grew up on the family farm south of Lyons, Kansas and graduated from Lyons High School in 1971. Steven attended Emporia State University and returned to Lyons to join his father on the family farm. Steve welcomed his two children, Jason and Jennifer, after returning to Lyons. After suffering a devastating spinal cord injury in 1983, rendering him a quadriplegic, he went on to live a very full and active life. Steven was the living embodiment of grit and determination. Steven never considered his paralysis a “handicap”, rather it was just an obstacle that he had to overcome, and he always found the solution. He enjoyed woodworking, building numerous pieces of furniture and clocks. Most evenings you could find him in his yard, working on a new landscaping project, or mowing the lawn using the remote-control lawnmower he and his father built from an old wheelchair. His greatest point of pride was passing on his knowledge and determination to his children and grandchildren. He exemplified perseverance.

Steven is survived by his children, Dr. Jason (Tara) McAllaster and Dr. Jen (Dan) McAllaster-Ginavan; grandchildren, Isabelle Ginavan, Logan Ginavan, Jameson McAllaster, Tenley Ginavan, Liam McAllaster, Declan Ginavan, and Cameron McAllaster; siblings, Jan McAllaster, Mark (Marie) McAllaster, Joyce (Paul) Taylor, Phred (Lichele Peete) McAllaster, and Jane (Kent) Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents.