Stephen L. Hawkins, 82, of Cameron, Illinois, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 4:18 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg, Illinois.
Steve was born in Monmouth, Illinois on June 11, 1944, the son of Ralph Thomas and Juanita Irene (Gibb) Hawkins. Steve graduated from Warren High School in 1962. He then attended Monmouth College. On February 25, 1967, Steve was united in marriage to Marcia Jo Seiler at the Coldbrook Christian Church, who survives. Their 59 year marriage brought forth three sons, Stephen C. (Linda) Hawkins of Cameron, Illinois, Thomas G. (Mandy) Hawkins of Monmouth, Illinois; and John W. (Deana Newman) Hawkins of Holland, Michigan; six beautiful grandchildren, Hanna (Brady) Landis, Matthew (Samantha) Hawkins, Clark Hawkins, Owen Hawkins, Reid Hawkins, and Luke Hawkins; and his beloved two great grandchildren, Parker and Kellen. Steve is also survived by one sister, Beverly (Richard) Hayward of Missoula, Montana; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter-in-law, Delinda Hawkins.
Steve worked for a few years at Butler Manufacturing before he began working on the family farm. He spent the rest of his years working many of them alongside his three sons, eventually slowing down from daily farm duties. He engrained and passed down to his entire family his strong work ethic, devotion to family, and commitment to his community.
Steve was elected and served as a school board member of CUSD #205 for 12 years. He was a lifelong devoted member of Coldbrook Christian Church, where he served as deacon, elder, and trustee.
Family was always at the top for Steve. They enjoyed many years boating on the Mississippi River, Oak Run, and many vacations to Lake of the Ozarks. Steve was a licensed IFR/VFR pilot and loved flying his airplanes often taking the family on trips. Steve and Marcia also enjoyed traveling together. In his later years after driving through the farm and checking on the crops, Steve could often be found visiting with his friends and drinking coffee at Cameron Grain.
A visitation for Steve will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Coldbrook Christian Church, Rev. Michael Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow at Mosher Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Steve’s memory to Coldbrook Christian Church or Hospice Compassus. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
