Steve Thomas Knowle

CARTERVILLE - Steve T. Knowle, age 79 of Carterville, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at Manor Court in Carbondale, Illinois.

Steve was born on Tuesday, December 3rd, 1946 in Loup City, Nebraska to Alphonse and Irene (Ionowski) Ignowski. Steve married Jackie Breeden Toberman on July 25th, 1970 in DeSoto, Illinois.

Steve is survived by his wife Jackie, son Jeff Toberman (Sharli) of DeSoto; sister Linda White of Springfield; sister-in-laws Marjorie Knowle of Powder Springs, GA; Dana (Frank) Smith of DeSoto; and Lisa Jacquot of DeSoto; nephews Chad (Melanie) Knowle of Napa Valley, CA; Brandon Knowle of Powder Springs, GA; Jason (Jaimie) White of Springfield; Tad (Tracy) Thompson of Herrin; Travis Thompson of DeSoto; and Josh (Michelle) Cox of Murphysboro; nieces Jennifer Runkel of Springfield; Robin (Chris) Crabtree of Murphysboro; and Jodi (Wayne) Tuthill of DeSoto; and several great and great-great nephews and nieces.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harry Knowle of Powder Springs, GA; father and mother-in-law Bill and Margaret Breeden of DeSoto; and brother-in-law, Mike White of Springfield.

Steve proudly served his country as a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1969, serving in Japan and Vietnam. After serving his country, Steve pursued his education at Southern Illinois University Flight School, where he received his Pilot license and Aircraft Mechanic degree. Steve began his career at Mach V Aviation Insurance located at Southern Illinois Airport, where he made many lifelong friends. Steve then became an Insurance Underwriter for National Aviation Underwriters. Later, Steve and Jackie began their own Aviation Insurance Agency in Indianapolis, IN. After selling their business in Indianapolis, Steve and Jackie moved to the Atlanta Metro area, where Steve retired from Phoenix Aviation Managers.

Steve and Jackie enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, making lifelong friends along the way during their 56 years of marriage.

MAY HE HAVE FAIR WINDS AND CLEAR SKIES

Burial with military rites will take place at DeSoto City Cemetery at 11:00 am on Friday, February 27th.

Memorials may be made in Steve's name to American Legion Post #127 in Murphysboro.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Steve, visit www.meredithfh.com