Steven Michael Still
Steven Michael Still, 80, of Hilliard, Ohio, formerly of Carlinville, passed away at home on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Steven was born Sept. 15, 1944, in Carlinville to Charles Virgil “Mike” and Christina Marie (Kaufman) Still.
He grew up on the Still family farm on R.R. 4, Macoupin Station Road, in Carlinville. His early education began at the small Plainview school, where he graduated from sixth grade alongside just three classmates.
Gardening was a central part of Steve’s upbringing. He was selling some produce to local grocers at 14. He placed among the top 14 participants in the National 4-H Vegetable Judging Contest in Washington, DC.
After graduation, he went to the University of Illinois, earning degrees in Soils (B.S.), Agriculture Education (M.S.), and Horticulture (Ph.D.). He was the President of Kappa Delta Rho, Eta Chapter. Steve loved routing for the Fighting Illini.
Following his Master’s degree, Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Viet Nam. During a period of R&R, he married Carolyn McKenzie on Jan. 27, 1970, in Hawaii.
Steve’s 30-year teaching career, began as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Illinois. He wrote Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants, which went on to be adopted by more than 100 colleges and universities.
In 1974, Steve accepted a faculty position at Kansas State University, where he enjoyed researching plant hardiness in the challenging climate of the Flint Hills. While at Kansas State, he received the International Plant Propagators’ Society’s Most Outstanding Research Award.
In 1979, Steve joined The Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, where he spent the majority of his 30-year academic career.
Steven was appointed becoming the first Director of the Chadwick Arboretum at Ohio State, and helped develop the vision and mission to collect and preserve the trees.
After receiving many questions from the nursery growers about perennials in 1983, Steven organized a symposium, sponsored by Ohio State. Steven created a permanent group that became The Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Steve served as Executive Director for the PPA for 35 years.
Steven served as a director on many industry boards, including the President of the International Plant Propagators’ Society and the American Horticultural Society. He served as President of Tri-Village Sertoma. A few notable accolades include the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America, the LC Chadwick Education Award from the American Nursery & Landscape Association, and the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award from the American Horticultural Society.
Steven is survived by his wife, Carolyn McKenzie; sons, Steven McKenzie (Faith) Still, Shannon Michael (Jennifer) Still; daughters, Stephanie Michelle (Kevin) Stockton, Sara Maria (Jason) Crawford; son, Kilian Pohl (Monica); grandchildren, Steven, Bruce, Harrison, Robert, Charles and Helena Still and Charlotte, Adeline, and Jacob Stockton; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Kay (Gerald) Vance.
Memorials may be given by individual choice or to any of the following organizations.
The Steven M. Still Learning Garden at the Chadwick Arboretum, Ohio State University. Fund Code: GF646974
The Macoupin County Fair Vegetable and Floral Awards.
The Macoupin County Historical Society.
The ACES Academy at the University of Illinois, supporting children’s summer programs.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m., on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, Carlinville.
Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, Carlinville.
Visit davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
