Reverend Father Steven F. Poole, born October 14, 1968, died suddenly in Shiloh on April 6, 2026. He was 57 years old.
After seminary studies in St. Louis, he was ordained a priest by now-Cardinal Wilton Gregory on June 1, 1996, in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville.
His early assignments were as Associate Pastor at the Cathedral; at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Herrin; at Holy Spirit Parish in Carterville; and at St. Mary Parish in Belleville.
Father Poole served as Pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Beckemeyer and St. Augustine Parish in Breese; St. Andrew Parish in Christopher and St. Mary Parish in Sesser; and St. Barbara Parish in Okawville and St. Anthony Parish in Lively Grove.
Most recently, he served as Sacramental Minister at the historic Immaculate Conception Chapel on Kaskaskia Island.
He was proceeded in death by his beloved mother, Rita (Petry) Poole and by his father, William Poole.
He is survived by a sister, Susan (Poole) Chartrau; several cousins and other relatives; as well as friends from his youth and from his nearly 30 years as a priest of the Diocese of Belleville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made in the form of Masses or as gifts to the Hincke-Sense Residence for Priests, 2620 Lebanon Ave., Belleville IL 62221. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 200 W. Harrison Street, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12 noon Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 200 W. Harrison Street, Belleville, IL. Bishop-elect Godfrey Mullin OSB will preside, and Monsignor John Myler will preach.
Following the Mass, burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville.
