Ronald Glenn Workman

He was born at Melody Meadows, his family’s farm, in New Berlin on June 23, 1935, the only son of Howard G. and Edna L. (Renetzky) Workman. As a teenager, Ron was involved in many activities including choir, band, FFA, athletics, and was a member of the infamous Lick Creek Wranglers country band where he played the accordion and sang vocals. Upon graduation from New Berlin High School, Ron joined the United States Navy. Ron proudly served on a destroyer and was deployed throughout Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Sangamon County and farmed. He also worked in the service station industry, eventually managing Ron’s Shell Station in Chatham. Later, he became the proud owner of Ron’s Super Service Center on South 6th Street in Springfield.

Ronald married Beverly Ann Taylor on March 14, 1966, in Chatham. Ron loved his wife, children, and his extended family dearly. Sundays included going to church, going to his in-laws and his parents to share a meal, playing pinochle, and watching Wild Kingdom and Disney. Sundays were filled with fun activities, including croquet and making homemade ice cream.

Ron was well known for his volunteerism and his philanthropy. He was a charter member of the Chatham Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, where he became known as the Peanut Man for top sales. He was instrumental in starting the Key Club at Glenwood High School. An avid bicyclist, Ron enjoyed riding trails and even did a 500-mile, cross-country ride throughout the Bryce Canyon area. Inspired by his love of cycling, Ron obtained many broken-down bicycles, repaired them, and donated the repaired bikes to underprivileged children both locally and out of state. Ron’s children supported his love of biking by giving him a new three-wheeled bike on his 80th birthday on which he logged many more miles. Ron volunteered in the restoration efforts after Hurricane Katrina with a group from his church. He also volunteered yearly to deliver trailers full of needed items to the Appalachian Mountains area. He served on countless church committees and was known for his ability to recruit additional (sometimes reluctant!) committee members. Ron volunteered for a children’s afterschool program at Kumler United Methodist Church, serving meals, playing games, helping with homework, and encouraging those in attendance to work hard and do their best. Ron was instrumental in starting the Chatham Community Garden south of Chatham to provide fresh produce for the local food pantry. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, taking many different family members to games over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; children; Debbie Murphy of Springfield, Scott (Shannon) Workman of Greer’s Ferry, AR, Todd (Maria) Workman of Oxnard, CA, and Dawn (Joe) Roesch; siblings, Carol McClelland of Hot Springs Village, AR, and Kim Pitchford of New Berlin; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; an aunt and an uncle; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kirk Workman; and three sisters, Jean Loving, Beverly Smith, and Nancy Fuchs.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, IL 62629. Ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Miriam Snider officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham.