Stephen Chester Simpkins

Surrounded by his family, Stephen Chester Simpkins went to be with his Heavenly Father at 5:30 PM on Friday, January 21, 2022, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, while awaiting a heart transplant.

He was born on December 24, 1956, in Danville, Illinois, to Janice and Chester M. Simpkins, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters Connie (Craig) Cruppenink of Catlin, IL, and Renae (Steve) Henry of Danville, IL; nieces and nephews: Katie Jo Woods of Indiana, and Marianne (Jordan Locke) Cruppenink of Iowa, Dr. Sarah (Trace) Johnson of Virginia, Dr. Matthew Cleveland of Springfield, IL, Emily (George Frank) Cleveland of Pennsylvania, Joseph Cleveland of Danville, IL; great niece and nephew: Annabelle and Samuel Woods of Indiana; numerous cousins; dear friends: Dale and Debbie Regal, John Serd, and Neil Cleveland; and pastor Matt Harmless and church family at Edgewood Baptist Church.

Steve made his home in Danville, IL, for the nearly 40 years he worked as a mechanic, truck driver, and small business owner. After graduating from Danville High School in 1974, he immediately went to work as an apprentice carpenter with his father Chester at Fleming and Weller. He then worked as an attendant at Norms Marathon, after which he became a transmission specialist at Hanks Transmission, Mooney Ford, and eventually Courtesy Ford. In the 1990s and 2000s, he drove for TMC Trucking and Luv God Transport. During his time working as a mechanic and driver, he founded and operated a small business in Danville, IL, named SS Speed and Custom. When he was not taking apart or fixing a car, he enjoyed walking on nature trails, discussing current-day news with family and friends, and learning about the Lord.

A Memorial Service for Steve will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Edgewood Baptist Church, 236 Poland Road in Danville, IL 61832 with Pastor Matt Harmless officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of visitation or the funeral wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Janet Henry for Stephen Simpkins Memorial in care of Danville Education Personnel Credit Union.

Please join Stephens family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .