Kevin McCarver, 70, of Belleville, IL, born January 24, 1954, in East St. Louis, IL, died Sunday, October 13, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Mr. McCarver studied at Beck Area College where he earned his certifications in Auto Body and Auto Mechanics. He used this knowledge to work on several modified dirt track race cars in the Belleville area, eventually joining the Allied Auto Racing Association. Kevin loved all things racing, especially RC racing, go-cart racing, and horse racing, sharing those same loves with his family – except his wife Sheila, as he preferred to use their sink, rather than a garden hose, to clean engine parts.
When his son joined the Villa Hills Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, Kevin volunteered there with him. He also volunteered as a volunteer firefighter for the Camp Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.
As an adult, Mr. McCarver discovered his Cherokee Heritage and pursued learning everything he could about the Cherokee as well as other Native American tribes. He loved to travel to different Native American sites across the United States. Later in life, he joined the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society where he gave guided tours of the park and shared his knowledge about the Cahokia Mounds with visitors from around the country as well as around the world.
When Kevin retired from maintenance at Dierberg’s in Edwardsville, IL, he spent his time looking out for his neighbors, eventually becoming known as the “Watcher”. If you ever needed to know what was happening in his neighborhood you only needed to ask him.
Mr. McCarver also spent the last 16 years of his life being involved with his family and caring for his son (Tom), his daughter-in-law (Katrina), his grandson (IB) and his wife (Sheila). He spent as much time with them as possible giving advice, taking many special camping trips and teaching them how to carry out numerous repairs while throwing numerous tools.
Kevin created many special memories that will live on in the hearts of his family, those who surrounded him and those who got the chance to learn from him. He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas McCarver; his mother, Norma, nee Schanuel, (Harold) Schneider; a sister, Karen; and a brother, Danny.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sheila McCarver, nee Harrison, whom he married on September 12, 1992; one son Thomas (Katrina) McCarver; six siblings, Keith, Cathy, Mark, Carla, Brenda, and Randy; a grandson, IB McCarver; and a dear family member, Curtis Harrison, and many other nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice or to the family through Renner Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
According to Mr. McCarver’s wishes, cremation services will be held privately.
