Edward Bernard Marak, 94, of Panama, died Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.
Private family funeral services will be held at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama with Pastor Ray Snider officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery in Panama with military honors. Anyone wishing to pay their respects to the family is invited to line up along Calvin Avenue on Friday, Dec. 4, at 11:45 a.m. to salute the procession as the family makes their way to the cemetery. For those who would like to witness the committal rites at the cemetery, the funeral home asks that CDC guidelines are followed at the cemetery, including wearing a mask and social distancing.
Mr. Marak was born Jan. 11, 1926, in rural Bond County, the son of August and Margaret (Trobaugh) Marak.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School, and went on to proudly serve the country in the United States Army during World War II. While he was abroad, he met the love of his life, Daphne May “Pat” Bundy. They were married on July 6, 1946, in St. Neots, England, and moved back to Panama shortly after. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2016, after nearly 70 years of marriage.
Mr. Marak worked as an equipment operator for Shell Oil for many years, where he eventually retired. He was a dedicated member of the VFW Post #6628 in Panama, where he served as quarter master for many years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he enjoyed fishing every weekend at his cabin on the Kaskaskia River.
He is survived by his son, Kenneth (Kathy Long) Marak of Panama; daughters, Carol Cruthis of Panama and Janet Akeman of Branson, MO; grandchildren, Tammy (husband Steve) Knuth of St. Charles, MO, Kevin (Merry) Cruthis of Panama, Doug (wife Adreanne) Cruthis of Panama and Sarah (husband James) Plybon of Branson, MO; several great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren, Josh Long and David Thompson; sister, Caroline Marak of Taylor Springs; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son-in-law, Kenny Cruthis; great-grandson, Devin Cruthis; brother, John Marak; and sisters, Marlene Gad, Liz Jordan and Margie Malisia.
Memorials may be made to the Union Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 760, Panama, IL 62077.
Online condolences may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
