Mark Vest

Mark Edwin Vest passed from this life on June 14, 2023.

Mark was born October 12, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois, a son of Edwin Richard and Margie (Warnick) Vest.  He grew up in Decatur and attended MacArthur High School.  He then attended Lincoln Christian College where he met and married Willette Eugena Phillips of Columbus, Indiana.  To this union four wonderful daughters were added.  Mark and Willette recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.  Mark was drafted into the Army and served in Viet Nam as an MP.  He returned to Decatur and worked for 25 years at A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company.  He also worked at Fair Havens Christian Home.  Mark served as a deacon, elder and chairman of the congregation at Mound Road Christian Church in Decatur.  He also served on the executive board of Little Galilee Christian Assembly.  Mark and Willette then moved to Florida, where they lived for 13 years and enjoyed the Florida life.  While there Mark worked for Florida Water.  As age crept up, they decided to move back closer to family and moved to Mt. Sterling, Illinois.  Mark was a member of The Crossing in Mt. Sterling.  Mark was a Cardinals, Bears, Raiders and Illini fan, loved to play his guitar and enjoyed wood carving, but most of all he enjoyed time spent with family and friends.  

His parents preceded him in death. 

Survivors include his wife, his sisters:  Georgiana (Ted) Paine and Patricia (Wally) Moore of Decatur, Illinois; his daughters:  Cynthia (Rich) Schoon of Morocco, Indiana; Julie (Hank) Wilson of Champaign, Illinois; Martha (James) Blakeley of Mt. Sterling, Illinois; and Wendy (Todd) Gilliland of Macomb, Illinois.  Grandchildren include:  Richelle (Ryan) Batteast, Mike (Shawna) Schoon, Shawn (Hallie) Schoon, Marissa Schoon, Eddie Schoon, Alex (Derek) Seelbach, Trey (Paige) Wilson, Jonah Wilson, Andie Wilson, Gabe Blakeley, Eli Blakeley, Lizzy Blakeley, Emma Gilliland, Annie Gilliland and Lucy Gilliland.  Great grandchildren include:  Tyson and Zion Batteast and Skylee Schoon. 

Mark’s body was donated to science to perhaps further the understanding of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Celebration of life services will be held at The Crossing in Mt. Sterling on Saturday, July 8, 2023 with service at 5:00 p.m. and visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to The Kissing Well (FNC Academy) in Uganda started and run by the Gillilands.  Please designate it to the new Clinic. 

Please dress casually.  Come and worship the God who saves with us and honor a life well-lived as he enters into his forever life. 

Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.