Mark was the baby of the family. He was loved and picked on by his big brother, Steve and protected by his sister, Billie, whom he shared a birthday with. Growing up in Olney, he helped on his uncle’s farm and in his mom’s milk store. This is where he learned his strong work ethic. Mark and his mother Wilma shared a unique and special bond, and a true love of Cubs baseball and Bears football that he carried with him throughout his life.
Mark played baseball and football at Effingham High School. He was a walk-on at Lake Land Community College for baseball and would go on to coach little league and play recreational softball. He also loved to run and bike.
College didn’t hold Mark’s attention however, as the music world was calling. Mark was a talented vocalist and guitarist and spent several years on the road with several bands. His band Three’s a Crowd even became the house band at a local establishment in Springfield.
After life on the road, Mark joined the printing/paper business, working at Capitol City Paper Company and Midland Paper Company, and he had four wonderful kids, Aaron, Mason, Matthew, and Hillary. Mark loved being a dad and enjoyed activities with his kids, some of which included Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, baseball, and even the occasional video game; though summer cookouts with family were Mark’s favorite.
For 20 years, he committed himself to the Chatham Presbyterian Church praise band and made lifelong friends through their mutual faith and love for Christ.
In April 2002, Mark married his forever love, Mary, and added two bonus daughters, Megan and Bekah, to his life. Mark and Mary enjoyed many adventures together that included Mexico numerous times and once with their kids and grandkids, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, Alaska, Hawaii, and Uganda. They had much more planned, but Lewy Body Dementia changed that.
Mark and Mary together have ten grandchildren that brightened his life and christened him Papaw. He loved cheering them on in their sports and music and could always be counted on for the best hugs when needed.
Mark never wavered in his faith and showed true strength. His hope was in God and the salvation offered through his son, Jesus.
Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL. A memorial ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Brooks Wilson officiating. Ceremonies will be live-streamed at www.southsidechristian.com/live
Burial will be held at Chatham Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL with cremation being provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
