Gene Marks

Gene Marks, age 71, a resident of Buncombe, passed away Friday evening, May 12, 2000,at 8:50p.m. at his home in Buncombe.

He was born July 18, 1928, in Creal Springs, the son of Willie and Naomi (BRATTEN) Marks. He was united in marriage to Thelma Lucille (HOWARD) on Sept.9, 1946, in Williamson County. She survives.

Other survivors include his mother, Naomi Marks of Buncombe; a daughter , Sue Pilcher of Buncombe; a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Lisa Marks of Chester; five grandchildren, David Marks and Tommy Groner, both of Buncombe and Taylor, Joseph and Justin Marks, all of Chester; a sister, Frances Halstead, and her husband Lester, of Bethany; a brother-in-law, Bill Howard, and his wife Marion, of Lexington, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Mildred Marks of Creal Springs; nieces and nephews.

Mr. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Willie Marks; an infant son, David Eugene; and two brothers, Jesse Marks and James Marks.

He retired in 1991 from Southern Illinois Stone Co. where he had been employed as a heavy equipment operator. he was a life member of Saline Lodge #339 AF &AM at Goreville. He was also a 38 year member and past patron of Goreville Chapter #1009 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of David Herrin Lodge #1036 I. O. O. F. in Pittsburg.

Mr. Marks was a  50 year resident of Buncombe. he had served for approximately 40 years as a member of the Buncombe Village Board and former Mayor of the Village of Buncombe. He was a 28 year veteran  of the Buncombe Fire Department, also served as Fire Chief for several years. He was a charter member of the  Lake of Egypt Water Board and was instrumental in the procurement of a water and sewage system for the Village of Buncombe. He had a deep love for people and enjoyed working for the betterment of the community. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He attended Cedar Grove Church, near Buncombe. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served from 1951-1953.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, May 15, 2002, at bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Alan Milligan and Rev. Clyde Ramage officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, east of Buncombe. Military graveside rites wee accorded by the Beggs-Gurley Post #5222 VFW of Vienna.