Danville – R. Dean Workman, 80, passed away Friday April 15, 2016 at the Knox Community Hospital.
He was born in Knox County on November 2, 1935 to Ronald F. and Grace (Eby) Workman. On June 2, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Rita Elksnis, and they grew closer during each of the next 60 years. He was the Regional Sales Manager/Operations Manager for Cuddy Farms, and was a member of several organizations including the Masonic Lodge #199, the Shrine, and the Ohio Poultry Association Board.
Dean was very involved in the community. He helped secure donations to the Danville schools for the football field press box, the field house, and the band, and even donated land for the girls’ softball field. He also supported the local Turkey Festival, and turkey buyers at the county fair for their 4-H projects. He was an avid golfer who scored two hole in ones and a loyal Ohio State sports fan that also enjoyed boating and loved traveling with his wife.
He is survived by his loving wife Rita, his children; Daniel Dean Workman of Columbus, Nancy Gina Durbin of North Canton, and Nina Grace (Bill) Helfer of Newark, 5 grandsons; Niclas Paul Workman, Alexander Dean Workman, Aaron Michael Helfer, Rhett Christopher Durbin, and Lee Michael Durbin, a brother, David Workman of Danville, and a brother-in-law, Neil Staats of Danville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Donna Mae Staats, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Workman.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21 at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville. Pastor Tom Heil will officiate. A private interment will take place. A luncheon will be held across the street in the St. Luke Community center following the service. Calling hours will be from 5-8 Wednesday evening, with a Masonic service at 4:45.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Danville Athletic Boosters, c/o Lahna Staats, 28388 Jelloway Rd. Danville, 43014, or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, and at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. Information is available at www.fischerfuneralhome.com
