Mark Eugene Sanders

Mark Eugene Sanders, 57, of Hurst, passed away Monday, May 6, 2019, at his home, in the arms of his wife, just like he wanted it.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2019,  at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastors Jeannie Ellis, Jeff Wiggs and R.H. Chitwood officiating. Burial will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois in Marion, Shriners Hospitals for Children in St. Louis or to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis.

Mark was born November 26, 1961, in Carbondale, to Joe Marvin and Delores Junie (Dryden) Sanders. He married the love of his life, his soul mate and best friend, Rebecca "Becky" Whitecotton on September 24, 2010, in Blairsville.

He was baptized in Jesus' name by Brother Gene Sanders at Faith Chapel in Blairsville.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Sanders of Hurst;  daughters, Devon (Jay) Novick, Rachel Sanders,  Ashley (Jeffry) Dixon, and Emilie (Chad) Karnes; grandchildren whom he absolutely adored, Dax, Brody, Jaylie, Isaac, Olivia, Chance, Luke, Camden, and one due in August, Amelia; great grandson,  Maverick; mother-in-law, Greta Whitecotton; sister-in-law, Shanna (Darrell) Clutts; brother-in-law, Bruce (Debbie) Whitecotton; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his beloved cat, Kitty Baby and dog, Junior; special friends, Tracy (Stacey) Inchcliff, Luke Holland, Rusty Lawrence, Kaleb Kreid, and Randy Chitwood; and a special thanks to his cousin John T. for all the help and support.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rudy Joe Sanders; and father-in-law, Bob Whitecotton.

Mark retired from Maytag after 28 years of service. He had also worked in the coal mines for S. Coal and American Coal.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish the Big Muddy, hunt mushrooms and trap. Mark enjoyed going antiquing and traveling to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with "his Bec".

Mark loved being a "Papa" and sharing his mischievous side with them.  

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