George A. Stearns

George A. Stearns, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Carbondale, Ill., George was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Known by many as “Mr. Fix It,” George leaves behind a legacy of love and a lifetime of beautiful craftsmanship. Best known for his carpentry and woodworking talents, George’s work touched countless lives. 

From unloading railroad ties and mining construction, to building homes with his brother, to his years at the cabinet shop in Murphysboro, wood stove installations, and constructing homes for and with his family, George’s skill and dedication were evident in every project. 

He liked to call himself a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but those who knew him best would say he mastered them all, especially when it came to the art of loving well.

The work he treasured most, however, was the sixteen years he spent serving as site manager at Camp Cedar Point (Girl Scout Camp) at Little Grassy Lake. 

There, his craftsmanship and care created memories and spaces that continue to live on in the hearts of many.

George was preceded in death by many beloved family members, including his parents Mabel (Lipe) and Claud Stearns, siblings, nieces and nephews, and his son, Jason Stearns.

In his final months, George welcomed visitors from every chapter of his life. He chose to celebrate his life while still here and was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support, and treasured the time spent with his surviving family and friends, both near and far.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Hooker) Stearns along with his children Frankie (Stearns) and husband Todd Goro, George “Randy” Stearns and wife Erica Stearns, Seth Stearns and husband Nathan Kohl, and Adam Stearns and fiancée Mary Budnick. George took immense pride in his children, not only in the lives they built for themselves but also in the love and joy they brought into his own life.

George’s pride and joy included his surviving grandchildren: Liam, Mary, and Chloe Goro, along with Margot, Josey, and Caratacus Stearns; and he further blessed to be a great-grandfather to Dottie Goro.

George came from a large family, he is also lovingly remembered by his surviving uncle and aunt, brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law who cherished him as their own.

George’s legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship will live on through the lives he touched and the work of his hands that many will continue to cherish for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois in honor of the exceptional end-of-life care George received.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.