Claude Edgar Mark, a loving family man, was called home to Jesus on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 82.
He was born on January 12, 1944, in Wayne County, IL, to the late Cecil and Ida “Babe” Mark.
Claude lived a life rich in love, laughter, and dedication to his family. He was a true country boy at heart, the kind of man who felt most at home under the open sky with dirt on his hands and family by his side. In his younger years, he could often be found racing and mechanicing cars, fueled by speed, grit, and a love for figuring out how things worked. That passion for adventure never left him.
Whether he was fishing, boating, camping, gardening, splitting wood, or tagging along on whatever adventure his kids, grandkids, or great grandkids dreamed up, he was always ready to go. If someone asked, he showed up. If they needed help, he didn’t hesitate. Time spent together was what mattered most to him.
He never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he left a lasting impression, turning brief conversations into friendships and acquaintances into lifelong connections. His easygoing nature, quick wit, and genuine interest in people made him unforgettable to all who crossed his path.
At home, he was known for his playful teasing and constant joking, always keeping his family laughing. He especially loved family gatherings, made even better by a table full of desserts, which he never turned down and always enjoyed to the fullest.
Above all else, he loved his family deeply and completely. His legacy lives on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the memories made around campfires and kitchen tables. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his adventurous spirit, kind heart, and the joy he brought into every life he touched.
Claude is survived by his three daughters Sherry (Jim) Pope, Cheryl (Terry) Harshbarger, and Gayla (Sam) Keyser all of Fairfield, a son Ernie (Kandice) Speropoulos of Florida. He also leaves behind his little brother Billy Mark and sister Peggy (Bud) Vaught all of Fairfield, along with his six beloved grandchildren Andy (Britany) Pope, Adam (Jessica) Pope, Mick (Mari) Morehead, Ahlandra (Brian) Sheehan, Devin and Cameron Speropoulos, and his six great grandchildren McKenzie and Breanna Morehead, Alaina, Alivia, and Thorin Pope, and Hartley Sheehan. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Sharon Wodicker and Cindy McKitrick of Fairfield, and Barb Mark of Florida, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Ida Mark, his sister Nancy Mark, a brother Eugene Mark, his granddaughter Amica Judge, and his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandra Kay Mark.
Funeral services for Claude Mark will be at 2pm on Monday, February 23rd, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial following in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Dr. Scranton Memorial Cancer Fund and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family a www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome.
