Mark L. Parr

Mark Len Parr, 73, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 10:29 a.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in Pana Health and Rehabilitation Center, Pana, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Glenwood Cemetery, Lookout Addition, Shelbyville, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or Autism Speaks.

Mark was born on April 22, 1952, in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Guy Daley and Nannie Glenn (Barlow) Parr. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1970. Mark began working for Emil Pasquale at the Kay Drive-In in Shelbyville and then worked for the family businesses, Guy’s Steak House and Shelbyville Disposal both in Shelbyville, and Fedders in Effingham, IL. He later worked for Shelby County Community Services, retiring in 2024. Mark grew up attending the First Christian Church in Shelbyville. He was a talented sketch artist and received requests from others for his work. Mark also had an encyclopedic knowledge of vintage filmography and railway companies, engines and routes. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Sammy, and always showed empathy to the underserved, whether kittens or people. Mark was humble, respectful and optimistic with a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his brothers, Jerry L. Parr of Honolulu, HI and Van Jon Parr of Shelbyville; sisters, Bari L. Spesard of Weatherford, TX and Jayne P. Smith of Tucson, AZ; like a brother, Bill Houston of Mattoon, IL; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Guy D. Parr; sister, Linda D. Parr; brothers-in-law, Gary Spesard and James Smith; and good friend, Bruce Hancock.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pana Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care they provided to Mark.