Steven Robert "Perk" Perkins, 67, of Auburn, IL, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born May 25, 1956, in Jacksonville, the son of Robert A. and Eleanor R. (Shaw) Perkins. Steve married Vicki Edwards Scott on December 10, 1986, at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, and she survives.

Steve is also survived by his children, Jason (Ashley) Scott of Auburn and Kelsie (Robert) Hogenkamp of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Ryson, Remi, Rory, and Ronan Scott and Robert Hogenkamp Jr.; sister, Janet (Mick) Ankrom of Summerville, SC; and his brother-in-law, Alan (Patty) Edwards of Adair. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Perkins graduated from MacMurray College with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, and was on the Swim Team as a swimmer and a diver. He worked at the Jacksonville Developmental Center for 32 years and then for the Department of Human Resources for the State of Illinois. He was a member of the Jacksonville Jaycees, Jacksonville Elks Lodge, and served as a Deacon for the First Baptist Church of Virden. Perk loved softball and especially enjoyed playing for Wally's Place. He was proud to have been a coach for many of his children's activities, and also to be known as a father to many. Steve enthusiastically enjoyed golf, and was very happy to be able to teach his grandson, Ryson, to play. He had a deep love and compassion for his five grandchildren and never missed any of their special events.

The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn. Memorials are suggested to a fund that is being set up for Steve's grandchildren in care of Vicki Perkins or to the First Baptist Church of Virden. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.