To Mark's family and friends:

On behalf of The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences. Mark served The Orpheum for many years as a board member and Chairman, and we are grateful for his leadership and service. We hope the words of one of theatre's founding fathers gives you some comfort:

"When he shall die / take him and cut him out in little stars / and he will make the face of heaven so fine / that all the world will be in love with the night / and pay no worship to the garish sun." -- William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, Act III, sii

With sympathy,

The Orpheum Theatre staff & board of directors

Dear Blackburn Family,

I am so sorry for your loss, your loss of a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle & a friend.

I’ve known Mark since age 6. That’s 50 years and in that time he only spoke kindness & love.

We lost touch as I moved. I’m sorry for that loss of friendship. I wish I had not lost touch with Mark. He was a gentle soul, a kind man. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie Mitchell-Morse

I have known Mark for many years as a fellow banker. He was well known and active in the community. Every year he would bring his grandson to the Knox County Fair and I would take my granddaughter and they would spend the day riding the carnival rides together. Those memories are special. Mark will be missed greatly.

It was great fun to have been in the Class of 1985 with Mark. He was always kind to each and everyone! His smile contagious!

Q: What will you never forget about Mark?

A: I am honored to have shared the Class of 1985 with Mark and will not ever forget that face and smile that would light up a room. He was always there to help with anything you needed. I will never forget his kindness and his beautiful caring soul. He will be missed by many.

I have a few thoughts of Mark, my brother-in-law, that may paint a picture of how thoughtful and kind he has been to my family. Each time we went to visit Mark and Tami, they would offer us all they had and more. Mark would always make sure the kids were on the ATV’s, had drinks and food. When we would leave, Mark was so thankful to us! He was grateful that my children came over and tore up his yard and got his toys dirty. He made us feel like we did him a favor! Always so grateful that we took time out of our day to visit with them.

Mark may be the most appreciative person I’ve known. He really took time to be in the moment and appreciate it. Wether it was watching Tami play with her grandkids, talking about his daughters and grandchildren, asking about our life. One of the things we openly recall is how Mark appreciated food. He was so happy to eat good food. Always so complimentary to all foods. Mark was a beautiful example of a humble man. You would never know what he had or did not have. He thought more about others than he did himself. Thank you Mark for being such a beautiful soul. You will be missed and forever be admired by my family.

Working with Mark was both a pleasure and a blessing. Such a truly genuine and kind person, who would go out of his way to assist in every way possible. He has been a trusted and valued partner to us over the years and the sincerity and the warmth of his smile will be missed by many. Those who know Mark well, will agree with this quote; What you leave behind is not what is engraved in the stone monuments, but rather, what has been woven into the lives of others. ~ Thucydides

On Behalf of Heat and Control, Inc. We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mark.

Becky and Family, you have been dealt a tough blow having lost two brothers in one month. So sorry for your loss and wishing you great comfort during this time of sorrow. Just have faith in God, he will get you thru this. God is Good!

I remember the day Jean found out she was pregnant with Mark. The look on her face was priceless as she felt she was too "old" to have a baby.

What a blessing Mark was to not only family, but also friends. After reading the obituary, I realize he never stopped blessing others and his passing will leave a huge void in so many places.

Our prayers are with each and everyone of you.

I remember when Mark started working for the bank almost 30 years ago. Mark was a kind and compassionate man. He was an icon to the community but more than that he touched the lives of so many. I am thankful to have known Mark as coworker and friend. He will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to you.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Mark has been a friend for many years and he was such a nice guy. He will be greatly missed by our community. Praying for you all.

Q: How did you meet Mark?

A: I first met Mark in an English class that we were both enrolled at LCCC in Godfrey, IL. This would have been in 1986-87. We had partnered up for a project, and we ended up being fast friends. He was so kind, nice, and friendly. Years later, we found out we had a mutual friend from his hometown, and once again we were connected. He will be missed.