Gene Stanley Workman

Gene Stanley Workman, 92, of Clay City, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.

Gene was born June 23, 1933 in Clay County, IL to parents, Clarence and Luella (Stanley) Workman. He married Patricia Ann (Staser) Workman on October 4, 1951 in Clay City, IL. Patricia preceded him in death on August 14, 2021.

Gene was born to farm and spent his entire life on the farm. He truly loved the land and its way of life. His career spanned the evolution of farming, from the horse drawn plows to today's technologically sophisticated operations.

He was passionate and curious about farming until the day he passed. Not a day went by without him going out to inspect the crops, not only for their development but also for their sheer beauty.

Gene was engaged and passionate for his hometown, Ingraham and Clay City. He knew the hard work and commitment that it takes to build community. He was devoted to 4-H, his church, friends, family, and fellow farmers.

He was never happier than when he was playing marbles or cards with his friends and family, especially if it was followed by ice cream. He was also a connoisseur of donuts and coffee. Gene was an avid traveler. He was up for any adventure, whether it be the Covered Bridge Festival or the rice fields of Vietnam. He particularly loved his winters spent in Florida with his friends.

Gene fell in love when he was 18 to Patricia, the woman that he would be happily married to for 70 years. He was at once a man's man who could fix anything and even build his own house, but was also the type of man who encouraged and supported his wife while she took night classes and summer school to obtain her teaching degrees.

Gene was extraordinarily proud of his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, whom he knew well and loved very much. He was one of the rare people who is conscious every day of how blessed and fulfilled his life was.

Gene is survived by Daughter, Dr. Jo Ellen (Gary) Jacobs of Santa Fe, NM; son, Dr. Rick (Angie) Workman of Windermere, FL; grandchildren, Prof. Megan (Dr. Jonathan MacCarthy) Jacobs, Dr. Emily (Dr. Michael Goard) Jacobs, Jordan Workman, Jared Workman, Meredith Workman, and Madison Workman; great grandchildren, Elliot MacCarthy-Jacobs, Kieran MacCarthy- Jacobs, and Elowen Goard; sisters, Karen Birch and Elaine Shouse; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Patricia Workman; parents, Clarence and Luella Workman; and brother, Keith Workman.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Clay City has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Clay City.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Clay City.

Interment will follow at Ingraham Cemetery, Ingraham, IL.

Memorials can be made to Willow Breeze Hospice House.