Master Sgt Mark K Garner

Master Sergeant MARK K GARNER # 3286 Illinois State Police D-22 retired. Mark K. Garner passed away at his home in Spencer Heights, Mounds, Illinois on August 27th 2014 he was 60 years old. Born to Faye and Marvin Garner on January 19th 1954 Mark grew up in Salem, Illinois until his family moved to Joppa, Illinois where Marvin Garner worked for the C&EI railroad. Mark married Angel Marie Jones on November 2, 2013, and she survives. Mark graduated from Joppa High School in May of 1972. On May 30th 1977, Mark joined the Metropolis Police Department beginning his craft in law enforcement. He then Joined the Illinois State Police in Cadet Class 73 on November 5th 1984. After graduating the Illinois State Police Academy, Mark worked the toll way in Chicago and then transferred to District 13A Cairo, which was later formed into District 22 Ullin in August 1990. Mark was known for his leadership and his unique ability to handle any situation that came his way. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and charming sense of humor. He retired from the Illinois State Police as a Master Sergeant in June 2008. Mark loved to read books, collect railroad and Star Trek memorabilia and riding his Kubota tractor. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his other furry children. The family requests for those of you who will be attending the visitation and/ or the funeral, that you share a story or a memory of Mark. By sharing these stories and memories, it can help us all heal and keep his memory alive. You may write your story or memory down and bring it to the church or if you cannot make the services you can mail your responses to Brant Blackburn, POB 103, Salem, IL 62881. Note cards will be available at the church and a collection basket will be in place to collect the responses. The family would like to thank you in advance for your submissions. In addition to his wife, Angel of Mounds, he is survived by his step-son Brant (Emily) Blackburn, of Salem, IL, his daughter, Rachel Garner of Paducah, KY, his son, Kevin (Kari) Garner, of Ledbetter, KY, step-daughter Kelsey (Bob) Dale, of Carbondale, IL, step-son Derrick Rader of Ullin, IL, three grandchildren, Taylor Ann and Matthew Tyler Blackburn and Ethan James Garner, his mother, Faye Garner, of Metropolis, IL, three brothers, John (Lori) Garner of New Orleans, LA, Greg (Carolyn) Garner of Metropolis, IL, and Robert (Debbie) Garner of Metropolis, IL, two sisters, Kathy (Dwayne) Johnson of Metropolis, IL and Mary (Jim) Roberts of Knoxville, TN, a sister-in-law, Virginia Garner of Vandalia, IL a God-daughter, Aurora Schubert of Paducah, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Marvin, a granddaughter, Ella Nicole Garner and a brother, Wiley Garner. Visitation for Mark K. Garner will be Tuesday, September 2, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ullin. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3 with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Church with Pastor Clint Nale and Dr. Larry L. Potts officiating. Interment will follow at Spencer Heights Cemetery in Mounds. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Mark can be made to the Upward Basketball Program at Mighty Rivers Church, Cairo, Illinois, Ullin First Baptist Church Ullin, Illinois, your local Pet Rescue and March of Dimes. To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com

Master Sgt Mark K Garner

January 19, 1954 - August 27, 2014