Virgil M. Marks

Virgil M. Marks, 105, of Murphysboro, and formerly of Union County, died at 10:30p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at his home.

He was born on March 17, 1894, in Alto Pass, the son of Thomas & Jane (Randolph) Marks.

He married Gussie Messamore in July 1922 in Murphysboro. She preceded him in death in November 1982.

Mr. Marks was retired from the water works department with the Illinois Central Railroad. He was a member of Murdale Baptist Church and VFW Post 7190 in Murphysboro.

Mr. Marks was a veteran of World War I and served in the infantry. He was the oldest living veteran in the State of Illinois. In 1999, he received France's highest honor, the Medal of Valor, and was knighted for fighting for the freedom of France during World War I.

Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Hand of Murphysboro; two grandchildren; six step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; 14 step great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dewey; a stepson; a stepdaughter; three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services were at 11a.m. Saturday at Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro. Burial was in the Alto Pass Cemetery.

Military honors were conducted at the grave by Murphysboro American Legion Post 127, Murphysboro VFW Post 7190, VFW Post 2605 of Carbondale and Jackson County DAV Chapter 26.

 Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois Inc.