Greg Shaver, age 74, of Centralia, passed away peacefully at home on September 4th, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. Greg was born on November 13, 1950, in Danville, Illinois, the son of the late Robert and Pauline (Overton) Shaver. On October 1, 1999, in Hawaii, Greg married the love of his life, Ann (Story), who survives him in Centralia.
Greg is also survived by his daughters, April Stafford and husband Aaron of Copperopolis, California, and Hilari Queen and husband Korey of Centralia, Illinois; six granddaughters, Addison Wainwright and husband Kurtis, Alexia Stafford, Annabella Stafford, Alivia Stafford, Kristin McGuire and husband Ryan, and Katie Queen; one great-grandson, Koen; brother, David Shaver and wife Kate; cousin, Jay Overton; niece, Samantha Hager; nephew, Brian Shaver; and many close friends and colleagues.
Greg was a 1968 graduate of Schlarmann Catholic High School in Danville. He attended Danville Junior College before transferring to Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois–Springfield), where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical psychology.
Even before completing his degree, Greg began his career as a volunteer, later becoming Workshop Director at Goodwill Industries of Springfield. There, he discovered his lifelong passion for serving individuals with developmental disabilities and built many friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 1975, alongside colleagues, Greg helped co-found the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) to give a collective voice to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in sheltered workshops. He remained an active member, past president, and mentor to colleagues across the state until his retirement.
In 1979, Greg became the Director of Kaskaskia Workshop in Centralia, where he served until his retirement in 2017. He also served as Board President of Adult Comprehensive Human Services, and as past president of both Penta Group (Bryan Manor) and Penta Nascent (Diamondview, Park Place, and Lynwood Estates). In 1997, Greg and his wife, Ann, established Catchall Services, providing administrative and management services to these agencies as well as the Community Resource Center. Greg’s vision, leadership, and tireless work constantly expanded programs and facilities to meet the needs of individuals and staff alike.
He devoted his entire career to advocating for people with I/DD, spending countless hours in Springfield and Washington, D.C. Greg’s servant heart produced a legacy of achievements for those individuals he served—never taking credit or seeking recognition, yet leaving a lasting mark. To many, he was an unsung hero, seeing possibilities where others saw limitations. Greg worked tirelessly to make sure every person had the chance to live a meaningful life full of opportunity and joy.
Outside of his professional life, Greg loved his family hard. He enjoyed traveling the country to watch his granddaughters play volleyball, gathering around the table to play cards and games with “his girls”, teaching each of them to ride a bike and drive a car, and telling funny stories from his childhood. Cherished memories were made during visits to California and especially at his favorite place, Siesta Key, Florida. Greg and Ann celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii with their entire family, returning to the place where their marriage began.
Greg also loved his friends hard. He could always be found on the golf course organizing the guys’ morning game. He never met a stranger and always made sure newcomers felt included. Greg enjoyed many trips with friends to Michigan, England, Ireland, and Scotland. He loved cooking and grilling -his “serious chili” was a favorite loved by all.
Greg was raised Catholic; was an altar server through his high school years. He has often said, “I have not practiced my religion, but I have lived it”. Evident in the love and care he showed to even strangers to the end, he brought nurses and friends to tears with his kind and encouraging words. Greg honored his upbringing by having the last rites. In honor of his granddaughter, Katie, who has continually witnessed to him since kindergarten, he proclaimed the Christian confession of faith.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Claude Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Central City. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, and also on Friday morning from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Greg’s honor may be made to Kaskaskia Workshop, which will disburse to other organizations to help continue his legacy of supporting and enriching the lives of people with disabilities. Memorial donations will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to serve Greg’s Family during this time. Friends and family are encouraged to share their condolences and memories online by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page.
