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Monday 8am - 4pm Tuesday 8am - 4pm Wednesday 8am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 4pm Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 1pm

Marks Mortuary, 633 E. Lorena Avenue, Wood River, IL (2026)

02/20/2026

Cheryl Williams
- East Alton

Cheryl Lee Williams, 71, passed away February 16, 2026 at her residence.

Born September 21, 1954 in Alton, she was the daughter of Homer and Josephine (Marmino) Williams.

She had been self-employed, a loving mother and grandmother.

Surviving are a son, Christopher (Jodi) Williams of Mooresville, IN; three grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, and Jackson Williams; brother, Ernie Williams of Alton; and sister, Maryann Drainer of Crossville, TN.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Visitation will be held from1-3 pm, Saturday, February 21 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

02/19/2026

Kathy Green
- Wood River

Kathy Jo Green, 63, passed away February 19, 2026 at her daughter's residence.

Born November 6, 1962 in Wood River, she was the daughter of Kenneth Ray and Betty (Crossfield) Green.

Kathy is survived by her son, James "Jimmy" (Lois) Branch of Wood River; two daughters, Robin (Rocky) Church of Cottage Hills, Amy Branch of Wood River; 13 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four brothers, Kenny Green of Warrenton, MO, Eric Green of Cottage Hills, John Green of Bethalto, Rick Green of Dudely, MO; and two sisters, Vicki Dickinson of Brighton, and Dawn Green of Wood River.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gary Green; and three sisters, Rosetta Olson, Paula Green, and Debbie Bolt.

Visitation will be from 1-3 pm, Sunday, February 22 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.

02/18/2026

Gary Martin
- Godfrey

The family of Gary Edward Martin is deeply saddened to announce his passing.

Gary of Godfrey, Il, passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2026 at the age of 61.

He was born on May 27th, 1964 to James Martin and Benita Martin in Alton, Il. After graduating from Edwardsville High School, he was a pipe liner for Buckeye Pipeline.

He and his love Dana Martin shared 31 wonderful years together. Gary Martin enjoyed hunting, grilling, hanging out with his friends, collecting guns, restoring cars, maintaining his farm and was known for his charismatic personality, hard work ethic, amazing sense of humor, and his ability to always lighten the mood. Gary was an amazing father and was very proud of his children.

He is survived by his spouse Dana Martin, sons Benjamin Martin and Lucas Martin, daughter Logan Graham, brother Jim Martin (Lila Martin) sister Beth Mattingly, mother Benita Martin, niece Jennifer Kissinger, nephew Justin Martin, niece Angela Mattingly and many other loved ones.

Visitation will be held at Marks Mortuary on Monday February 23rd, 2026 from 3pm to 6pm, followed by a memorial service.

The family invites friends to share memories and celebrate a life well-lived.

Donations may be made to 5 A's Animal Shelter in Gary's memory.

The family thanks Marks Mortuary for their support and care during this difficult time and St. Louis University hospital for allowing him so much bonus time.

02/16/2026

Roger Mouser
- Wood River

Roger Dean Mouser, 77, went to be with the Lord, February 14, 2026 at his home.

Born June 12, 1948 in Alton, he was the son of Webster and Beryl (Moore) Mouser.

He had worked for 30 years as a boiler operator at Alton Box Board before retiring. He then served as the grounds supervisor for the Roxana School District before retiring in 2012.

Roger especially enjoyed time with his family, watching the grandkids in their sports, going to the beach on vacations, and many more loving memories.

On November 7, 1969 in East Alton, he married Lona Searles. She survives.

He leaves behind his loving wife; two sons, Jason Mouser (Katie Tate) of Vandalia, Travis (Sara) Mouser of East Alton; eight grandchildren, Gavin Mouser, Jillian Mouser, Taylor Mouser, Olivia Mouser, Kinsley Mouser, Beckham Mouser, Reagan Tate, and Briggs Tate; and two great grandchildren, Clayton and Weston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Mouser; and sister, Karen Bartlett.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm, Thursday, February 19 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River where his funeral service will be conducted at 10 am, Friday. Rev. Dr. David Schultz will officiate.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church where he had been a longtime member.

02/12/2026

Virginia Gleason
- Wood River

Virginia Lee Gleason, 72, passed away February 8, 2026 at her residence.

Born March 5, 1953 in Alton, she was the daughter of Robert Odell and Mary Lou (Milton) Kenshalo.

Virginia had been employed as a bartender for many years and then as a manager for Jack-in-the-Box in Wood River for 20 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Deanne Gleason of Godfrey, Lacy Gleason of Wood River; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a nephew, Eric Short.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Johnnie Gleason; three brothers; and a sister, Vickie Emery.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 pm, Saturday, February 14 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

02/11/2026

Susan Kizer
- East Alton

Susan Diane Kizer, 70, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at her home.

Born August 28, 1955 in Highland, she was the daughter of Marion and Catherine (Taylor) Graham.

On June 27, 1973 in Alton, she married James "Jim" Kizer. He died August 12, 2021.

Surviving are a daughter, Holly (Jeff) Marshall of East Alton; step-son, Jay. E. Kizer in Florida; granddaughter, Hailey Holbrook Blair; two brothers, Andy Graham of East Alton, John Graham of Eldred; and a sister, Helen Turner of New Albany, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Paige Kizer; and sister, Rita Ontis.

Visitation will be from 3-6 pm, Thursday, February 12 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River where services will be conducted at 11 am, Friday. Frank Akers will officiate.

Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Memorials are suggested to the Diabetes Foundation and American Lung Association.

02/09/2026

Jacosha Bailey
- Alton

Jacosha Dawn Bailey, 51, passed away February 2, 2026 at SSM St. Louis University Hospital.

Born September 10, 1974 in Alton, she was the daughter of Ann Louise Bailey of Grafton and the late Wesley G. Smith.

Surviving is her mother; grandparents, James David and Lora Louise Bailey; three daughters, Shyanna Michelle Stagner, Jayla Nevaeh Deal both of Alton, and Kaylin Kennedy; aunts and uncles, Mark Bailey, Johnny Bailey, Rebecca Ge**er; great aunt, Linda; and cousins, Joshua Bailey, Rhonda Dralle, Georgia McGrath, and Danielle Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, James D. and Lora L. Bailey; and a sister, Shanna Smith Lyons.

Visitation will be from 1 pm until time of service at 2 pm, Wednesday, February 11 at First Christian Church in Alton. Rev. Jim Johnson will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Shyanna Stagner for expenses.

02/06/2026

Jacqualin Eaton

- Alton

Jacqualin Faye Eaton, 87, passed away February 5, 2026 at LaBella of Alton.

Born January 31, 1939 in Alton, she was the daughter of James Cannon and Nellie (Swan) Stefani.

On November 7, 1959 in Bethalto, she married Donald Eugene Eaton. He died March 10, 2012.

Surviving are three sons, Brad (Connie) Eaton of Hamburg, Rodney (Connie) Eaton of Godfrey, Darren Eaton (Amy Brakhane) of Reeds Spring, MO; five grandchildren, Jarett (Tara), Travis (fiancé, Tanya), Tristan (Jalisa), Tori, Tyler, and Chase; five great grandchildren, Emmett, Aiden, Caleb, Trevor, and Kelan; and two sisters, Ange McVey of Bunker Hill, and Pam Lawson of Medora.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and great granddaughter, Faith.

Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Tuesday, February 10 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Frank Akers will officiate.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

02/04/2026

Mark Middleton
- Alton

Mark Kevin Middleton, 69, passed away January 30, 2026 at his residence.

Born August 27, 1956 in Alton, he was the adopted son of Delmer F. and Pauline C, (Estes) Middleton.

Surviving are a son, Adam Middleton of Breese; three sisters, Debra (Jeff) Meyer of Jerseyville, Catherine Gernigin of Alton, Angela Gernigin of Wood River; and aunt, Mary Fillback of Godfrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; biological mother, Beverly Gernigin; brother, John Gernigin; and two nephews, Christopher Gernigin and Enos L. Main, Jr.

"Sorry that we didn't get to grow up as siblings, that was taken from us (per grandma's lies). Rest easy and fly high brother. We will meet again and live eternal life together. " ~ Cathy,

Cremation rites were accorded.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

02/03/2026

Dave Essary
- Wood River

David "Dave" Essary, 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on January 29, 2026.

Born September 5, 1961 in Wood River, he was the son of Stell and LaDonne Essary who survive.

Also surviving are his best friend and wife of 31 years, Maggie (Garey) Essary; sisters, Shelley Essary,and Lisa Essary; in-laws, Pat (Bev) Garey, Michele (Sal) Manganelli, Joe Koncz,; nieces and nephews, Katie Terry, Katie Garey (Wayne Wilkes), Lauren Manganelli (Jake Parr), Danny (Julie) Garey, Caroline Koncz (Nick Cosentino), Ryan Manganelli (Tram Dao); great nephews, Jack and Luke Garey, Henry Wilkes; kind neighbor, Diane Dutchik; and great, lifelong friend, Phil Sandbach.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mae Essary, Joseph and Flora Smith; in-laws, Bob and Connie Garey, Mary Koncz; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone at Fresenius Health Care, Alton Multispecialists, Alton Memorial Hospital, Christian Hospital Northeast, and American Kidney Foundation for their excellent care and compassion.

A true "Renaissance Man", Dave had many adventures in life. One job afforded him the opportunity to drive locomotives, and another, to fuel airplanes at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Among his passions were cooking, cars, music and everything to do with World War II, of which he was very knowledgeable. In recent years, he enhanced his life by working out at Club Fitness in East Alton, where he made fast friends of the staff and fellow members. Despite his health challenges, he worked tirelessly, and looked forward to meeting the challenge. "The Fighter Still Remains". Dave's sense of humor and wit were just a few of the many things that attracted him to his best friend, Maggie and to all who knew him. Dave was book smart and street smart, kind, compassionate, and dearly loved by all. A life cut short, but a life well lived. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at a later date.

01/29/2026

Jessie Shaw
- East Alton

On January 24, 2026 Jessie Shaw went to be with his wife of 59 years, Rose (Rosalie) Shaw, and his savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully at Barnes Jewish Hospital, after suffering a sudden stroke.

Jessie was born in Gatewood, MO on July 21, 1937 to Myrtle and John Shaw.

He attended high school in Couch, MO. He then joined the Army and served from 1955 to 1958, while stationed in Korea. He later relocated to the Alton, IL area where he then met and married his wife of 59 years on August 31, 1962, Rosalie (Dix) Shaw. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2022.

He worked at Olin casting plant in East Alton, IL as a caster for 33 years before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed retirement as an avid golfer and worked as a ranger at Spencer T. Olin and Belk Park. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Golf, college basketball and Westerns on TV. He also enjoyed listening to Blue Grass gospel, playing Solitaire, and dinner dates with his children.

Surviving are four children, Ken (Sue) Shaw of St. Louis, MO; Tim (Renae) Shaw of Nokomis, FL; Jesse (Carole) Shaw of Harrisonville, MO; and Lisa (Shaw) Woodard of South Roxana, IL. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, 15 great grand children with one on the way, and three great-great grandchildren, and one sister Henrietta (Shaw) Stephens of Mountain Home, AR; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Rose Shaw, who he missed daily; one daughter, Karin (Shaw) Cleaves who passed on January 8, 2026; five siblings (Joe, Leoma, Viola, Jim and twin brother Merle) as well as his parents.

Cremation will be done by Marks Mortuary.

Burial Ceremony of Jessie and his wife Rose (Rosalie) will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO at a later date.

Memorials may be made to one of the following small 501(c)(3) animal groups: Feral City 4 Feral Kitties, or FOR (Friends of Rescue) Animals.

01/23/2026

Betty Pittman
- East Alton

Betty LaVonne Pittman, 88, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.

Born January 28, 1937 in East Alton, she was the daughter of Rev. Louie and Genevieve (Bragg) Estes.

She had worked as a dental assistant for Drs. Mark West, DMD and Edward St. Peters, DMD for many years before retiring.

On April 12, 1958 at the Forrest Mission Assembly of God Church, she married Charlie G. Pittman. He died January 30, 2013.

Surviving are two sons, Rev. Mark (Nikki) Pittman of Kansas City, MO, David Pittman of East Alton; daughter, LaVonne Timmins of East Alton; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Stephen) Huch, Crystal (Rob) Coleman, Melissa (Kenny) Morales, Mark Allen, II (Emilie) Pittman, Emma Ferron, Isabella Pittman, Genevieve (Gio) Luna; a sister, Judith Morrison of Plainview, IL; adopted son, Dr. Edward St. Peters, DMD.; nieces and nephews, Harold Hagler, William Pittman, Dianne Teal, Kyle Pittman, Robert A. Morrison, Jonathan and Greta Morrison; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3-6 pm, Thursday, January 29 at East Alton Assembly of God Church where funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 am, Friday. Pastors Mark A. Pittman and James Ho**er will officiate.

Private burial will be in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to East Alton Assembly of God Church.

Marks Mortuary

02/20/2026

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02/18/2026

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01/29/2026

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Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm
Saturday	8am - 1pm