Mark L. Hoffard

Mark L. Hoffard, age 91, of Johnston City, IL, passed away peacefully with his family near, at 12:40 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, in Parkway Manor of Marion, IL.
He was born at home east of Johnston City, IL, on April 5, 1933, the twin son of Seamer and Eula (Chapman) Hoffard. His other twin brother they named Paul.
Mark attended school up to 8th grade in a one room schoolhouse called Leigh School, located north of Johnston City. He then attended at Johnston City High School and was a graduate of Johnston City High School Class of 1952. While in high school he was selected to the All State and All-American High School Football Squad. He was part of the 1949/50 Johnston City State Football Tournament Team. After graduation from high school, he received a full scholarship to Stetson University of Deland, FL, where he played football for 1 year. After 1 year, he transferred his scholarship to Western Kentucky University of Bowling Green, KY, where he also played football for 1 year until he answered the call of this nation serving in the United States Navy in 1955. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Technician 3rd Class. After his discharge he returned to Western Kentucky University and completed his education receiving his Bachelor's degree in Education.
He was united in marriage to Mildred Louise Braden on March 25, 1959, in Brushy Church of Saline County, near Harco, IL, and together they have shared 65 years of marriage.
He began his long teaching career in 1959, by accepting a position at Crab Orchard High School teaching Science and Biology. Then after 5 years he accepted a new teaching position in 1964, with Johnston City High School where he taught Science and Biology, Drivers Education and coached all the school sports. After 25 years he retired in 1989.
After his retirement he and Millie spent the winters in Leesburg, Florida for 26 years.
He was a member of the Whiteash Free Will Baptist Church and also the Illinois Coaches Association.
Sports of all kinds was his life. He loved children and enjoyed seeing them advance in education and the sports they participated in. Mark was inducted into the First Class of the Johnston City Hall of Fame in 2015, was honored as Teacher of the Year once by the Johnston City Schools and while living in Florida won many fishing tournaments.
Besides sports and fishing some of his other interests were being an avid supporter of all of Johnston City Sports, hunting, gardening, camping, traveling all across this nation, was an avid Illini Basketball Fan and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Fan and following NASCAR. He also was known for being and a fan of Dolly Parton and enjoyed listening to her music.
He will be remembered for urging all of his students and family to do the best they possibly could in everything they tried. The many memories created over the years will be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred L. Hoffard; son, Jeff Hoffard and his wife, Marilyn; daughter, LeAnn Hall and her husband, Rick; eight grandchildren, Adam, Holly, Scott, RJ, Shaina, Dakota, Hope and Colt; eight great grandchildren, Mason, Caiden, Ariona, Madelyn, Kennedy, Phineas, Adrianna and Theodore; several nieces, including one very special niece, Ramona Hoffard Holland, several nephews, other extended family; longtime great friend, Jeff Richey and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Violet and Elsie and four brothers, Robert, Vincent, Gene and twin brother Paul.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation was on Monday, December 16th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Whiteash Free Will Baptist Church, located at 13339 State Route 37, north of Marion, IL.
During the time of visitation, a "Reflection of Life" DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Mark's life was presented to the family and friends.
The funeral service was on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. also at Whiteash Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Andy Lee presiding.
Comments of memory were presented by close friend Jeff Richey.
Special musical selections presented during the service were "I'll Meet You In the Morning" as a recorded selection by The Gaither's, acapella selection "When I See Jesus, It Will Be Amen" by good friend Linda Petty, recorded selection "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" by Squire Parsons and "Amazing Grace" by vocalist Stephanie Lee with pianist Justin Nehrkorn accompanying.
Interment followed in Lakeview Cemetery of Johnston City, IL.
Pallbearers were Rodney Laney, Mason Clark, Caiden Clark, Adam Hall, Kent Dean and Dakota Hoffard.
Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail and Funeral Honors Detail Members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 of Marion.
Following the service the family and friends gathered back at the church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support.
For those who preferred, the family requested memorial contributions be directed to either or both: "Whiteash Free Will Baptist Church Education Fund" and/or "The Johnston City Manna Mission." Contribution envelopes were available at the church or were mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL, 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.