Steve “Skeeter” Brookman, 63, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He was born May 7, 1961, in Centralia, the son of Stanley Brookman and Virginia “Tiny” (Mathus) Brookman. Skeeter married Michele Tiemann on June 19, 2012, in Panama City Beach, Florida and she survives.
In addition to his wife of 11 years, Michele Brookman of Centralia, Skeeter is also survived by his five children: Amanda Brookman-Simpson and Bob of Walnut Hill, Christopher Brookman and wife Kelly of Booneville, Indiana, and Nicholas Brookman and fiancé Jenny Arning of Newburgh, Indiana; Taylor Hays of St. Louis and Hampton Hays and Kayla Morgan of Mt. Vernon; six grandchildren: Mabry, Rowen, and Rudy Brookman, Elijah Hays, Danielle Simpson-Morris and Walker Simpson; two brothers: Terry Brookman and wife Sandy of Troy and Gary Brookman and wife Lana of Ina; father and mother-in-law: Robert Tiemann and wife Janice of Irvington; brother-in-law: Michael Tiemann and wife Julie of Woodlawn; sister-in-law: Melissa Hoh and husband Alan of Irvington; several nieces and nephews; and also surviving is his first wife Rita Brookman.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Stanley and Virginia Brookman and a sister: Cheryl Blackman.
Skeeter worked at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon for 40 years. A big part of Skeeter’s life was walking up and down a basketball court officiating. He started refereeing at the age of 12 for the men’s league at the Centralia Recreational Center. He was an official referee for 45 years. Skeeter was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Centralia Orphans. You could find him at the Centralia Holiday Tournament every year, watching the different basketball teams or just visiting with friends and family. Skeeter never met a stranger and always had a hug.
He enjoyed playing a round of golf. Skeeter’s whole world was his family and grandkids. He loved spending time making memories and will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Stacy Tate officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Wamac Grade School Athletic Department and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Skeeter’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
