Obituary – William Stephen ‘Steve’ Swinney – Benton, IL

William Stephen ‘Steve’ Swinney, 67, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September, 16, 2015.

Steve was born June 20, 1948, in Benton, the son of Dr. William “Bill” Joplin Swinney and Dorothy Monroe Swinney.

Steve was a 1966 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, serving as class president and in numerous other clubs. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and his Master’s Degree from University of Denver.

Steve spent 41 years working in the banking industry, serving as the president of State Bank of Whittington since 1977. During his years as president, the bank added three new branches in Benton, Sesser and Christopher and the bank has continued to be locally owned and operated and carry a five star rating. He served most of his career on the legislative committee for the Community Bankers Association. Steve accepted the award for Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2010 for State Bank of Whittington. Steve spoke often of his love for helping others and the work he accomplished at State Bank of Whittington. He was a very humble, honest and giving person. Steve was an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Boneyard Boccie Ball Club and the Benton Elks.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sibyl Rodenbush Swinney, children Greg Swinney, Heather Franklin (Michael), Sara Holman, step-children Ronda Baker Dunn (Randy), Beth Baker and Preston Baker (Amy); grandchildren Tommy “The Turtle” Swinney, Emma, Kaylee, Jacob Franklin; Dash, Charlie, Josie Holman; Sara Hammer (Matt), Gavin Wanstreet (Elaine) and Lea Baker. Great-grandchild Eleanor (Ella) Hammer; sister Nancy Durham (Chuck), niece Stephanie McDuffee (Mike) and her children Jessica Sommer (Ethan) and Keyndra Calvin; brothers-in-law the Rev. Robert Rodenbush and wife Evangeline and Barry Rodenbush. He was also survived by a special cousin Jack Monroe and several other family members, friends and colleagues.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Robert Rodenbush officiating. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery in Whittington.

For those who wish memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.