Mark Thomas Roberts

Mark Thomas Roberts of Marion, Illinois, passed away at his home on April 6, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. He was 53 years old. Born on May 16, 1971, in San Bernardino, California, Mark brought warmth, laughter, and love into the lives of all who knew him. On May 5, 2001, Mark married his soulmate, Michelle—the beginning of a beautiful journey built on love, laughter, and unwavering commitment.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; his daughters, Markie and Mattie; his brothers, Steven (and his wife Jody) and Craig; his nephews, Jason Roberts, Michael Roberts, and Jesse Strang (and his wife Courtney and their daughter Gracelyn); his nieces, Tahnee Jaramillo (and her husband Angelo), Jessica Roberts, and Josie Strang; his mother-in-law, Judith Strang; and his brother-in-law, Mitchell Strang (and his wife Tatia).

He was preceded in death by his father, Guy Roberts; his mother, Anne Tenney; his father-in-law, James Thomas Strang; his brother-in-law, Michael Strang; his nephew, Zachary Strang; and his niece, Shannon Roberts.

Mark also leaves behind special family and lifelong friends Bernie and Rebecca Paul, Bryan and BJ Bruner, and his faithfully devoted four-legged companion, Ms. Charlie.

Mark loved Michelle and the girls deeply and spent every available moment with them when he was home. A perfect girl dad, he adored Markie and Mattie beyond measure and poured his heart into being present, supportive, and loving in every way.

A lifelong towboater, Mark began his river career in the 1980s as a deckhand and worked his way up through the ranks—lead man, mate, pilot, and eventually captain. With steady hands and unmatched knowledge, he navigated some of the nation's most vital waterways, including the Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas Rivers, as well as the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. From Minnesota to Louisiana, Ohio to Texas, Kentucky to Tennessee, Mark knew the rivers like the back of his hand and found pride and peace in the life he lived on the water.

Together, Mark and Michelle worked hard to build a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to one another and their girls. Mark was an incredible support for Michelle throughout her RN career. He encouraged her, believed in her, and helped guide her to become the incredible nurse she is today. His strength and steady presence gave her the confidence to chase her calling, and she carried his support with her through every step of her journey.

When Mark was diagnosed, they spent the last ten months of his life fighting with everything they had. Michelle rallied an entire network of medical professionals across southern Illinois, Memphis, St. Louis, and Houston—doing everything in her power to extend and protect Mark’s precious life. Their teamwork, strength, and love stood as a testament to the kind of family they built together.

He also had a passion for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and spending time near the ocean, especially in Florida, where the beach held a special place in his heart.

He made his life in Marion, where he was known as a loving husband and dad in every way. Whether through his words, his work, or simply the way he showed up for others, Mark had a way of making everyone around him feel special and loved. He gave the best hugs—his arms wrapped around you in a way that made the world feel like a better place. He was a huge teddy bear, full of warmth, comfort, and love.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street in Marion. Funeral services will begin at 4:30 p.m. All who knew and loved Mark are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

Instead of flowers, the family encourages donations to Markie’s and Mattie’s college fund in honor of Mark’s enduring love and commitment to his daughters’ future. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed in care of Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 39, Marion, Illinois.