Lifetime Achievement Award – Steve McKeown
HerrinFesta Italiana 2026 Lifetime Achievement Honoree
HerrinFesta Italiana proudly presents the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Pastor Steven Michael McKeown.
In 1970, at age 14, Steve moved to Herrin, Illinois, just days before beginning his freshman year at Herrin High School. A neighbor invited him to play drums for a new youth choir at First Christian Church — two moments he says completely changed the course of his life.
First, Steve came to faith in Jesus Christ, transforming his life from one marked by meaninglessness, mischief, and petty crime into one filled with peace, purpose, and love. Second, he met the person who led him to that faith — his future wife, Darla Craft. The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August.
Career and Ministry
Steve graduated from Herrin High School and Southern Illinois University. He first worked at WSIL-TV3 in Harrisburg and later served as assistant to the president of Tri-State Christian Television in Marion.
During his 30s, he became heavily involved in strategic planning for the organization, helping direct more than 100 paid and volunteer staff members while assisting in the management of a multi-million-dollar budget.
In 1989, Steve chose to leave corporate leadership to focus more fully on family and ministry. That same year, he became Youth Pastor and Administrator at Christian Life Church in Herrin. After nine years in that role, he was asked to serve as Senior Pastor.
Over the next 17 years, Christian Life Church experienced tremendous growth in both size and outreach.
- Disaster-response teams assisted victims of Hurricane Katrina and flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- Youth teams served in Chicago, New Orleans, Greensboro, South Dakota, and New Mexico.
- International missions extended throughout Central America, Africa, and Asia.
- The church remained deeply committed to serving the Herrin community.
Steve also served as President of the Herrin Ministerial Alliance during his tenure.
Bald Knob Cross of Peace
In 2008, Steve was appointed by court order to serve as President of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace and lead a transitional board through a difficult legal dispute.
Under his leadership, the organization established sound operational and financial policies, raised critical funds, and restored the beloved 111-foot monument, which had fallen into disrepair.
For these efforts, Steve was named Citizen of the Year at the 2010 Herrin Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.
Herrin House of Hope
In 2014, Steve partnered with Rev. Dr. Troy Benitone to launch the Herrin House of Hope.
The ministry is approaching half a million meals served — always delivered with dignity and compassion.
- Hundreds of individuals earned GEDs and secured employment through partnerships with John A. Logan College and AmeriCorps.
- Thousands of clothing items were distributed to families and disaster victims.
- Hundreds of bicycles were given to children in Herrin.
- Tons of food commodities were shared with families and local food pantries.
International Missions and Service
For many years, Steve spent extended periods serving in Africa, often alongside Darla.
Together they helped install shallow wells with Marion Medical Mission in Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique. Steve also helped oversee construction projects for educational and medical facilities in Liberia, which later served communities during the Ebola crisis.
The couple also volunteered at an orphanage in Kampala, Uganda.
Retirement and Continued Service
Steve retired from pastoral ministry in 2014 after 26 years, leaving behind vibrant ministries, fully staffed programs, and a debt-free church.
Darla jokingly describes him as a “retirement fail,” since his schedule today is even busier than during his decades of employment.
Steve continues to stay active through overseas missions, community volunteerism, mentoring, and leadership.
Scouting, Outdoors, and Family
Scouting has been a lifelong tradition in Steve’s family, dating back to his grandfather, who served as his father’s scout leader in 1932.
Steve served as an adult leader at several high-adventure scout bases, including:
- Boundary Waters near Canada
- Sea Base in the Florida Keys
- Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico
An avid outdoorsman, Steve is a member of the Egyptian Rifle and Pistol Club, an alumnus of the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute, and currently serves as President of the Bald Knob Cross of Peace.
He also continues his lifelong passion for drumming by serving on the Christian Life Church worship team, marking 47 years of musical performance.
Steve and Darla’s three children — Drew, Dana, and Troy — along with their spouses and nine grandchildren, remain the center of their lives.
The couple will be honored at the annual HerrinFesta Mayor’s Dinner on May 19 at the Herrin Civic Center.
