BENTON – Steven L. Workman, 72, of Benton, passed away at 6:28 a.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 27, 1952, to Nelson E. and Anna Joyce (Casteen) Workman in Beardstown, IL. Steven worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a Signal Maintainer.
Steven was a graduate of Brown County High School, Class of 1970. He graduated from SIUE with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Archaeology. He attended railroad signal school and retired after a long career with BNSF.
Steven was a lifelong rockhound and an avid collector of gems, minerals, and artifacts. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club, serving as president for several years. He volunteered and helped to organize local Gem and Mineral Shows and was a seen as a valuable member of his community. He was an animal lover and advocate and was a long-time member of the Audubon Society and the World Wildlife Foundation. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Benton.
Steven loved music and it always played a huge part in his life. He shared his passion and joy for music with his family and friends and enjoyed singing, dancing, and going to concerts. He played guitar and listened to a huge array of different genres – from classic rock to classical music and everything in between. Some of his favorites were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
Steven was a huge history buff who loved to learn and was always ready to discuss his latest book and offer recommendations for your next read. On weekends you would usually find him out rock hunting, working in his garden, or enjoying a good sports game. He was a fan of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, St. Louis Blues Hockey, and the Chicago Bears Football teams.
Steven is survived by his loving daughters, Virginia (Nathan) LeeAnn West and Melissa Rose Workman; his former wife, Stacia Ann Workman – the mother of Virginia, Melissa, George, and Jeffery; his brother, John (Denise) Workman; and his nephews, Joe and Sam Workman; his sister, Janice K. Langford; his niece, Becky McWilliams; his nephew Eric Aden, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Anna Joyce (Casteen) Workman; his sons, George Thomas Workman and Jeffery David Workman; and his brother, Nelson E. Workman, Jr.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jessie Hinds, officiating.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
