SPARTA – Frank E. McCree, 94, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away on May 21, 2026, at Randolph County Care Center.

Frank was born on February 3, 1932, in Herrin, IL, to Lowell and Marie (Ashoff) McCree. He married the love of his life, Marge (Pinkley) McCree on August 4, 1951. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing in 2016. Frank worked for many years at World Color Press before retiring. After retirement, he became a school bus driver, a job he truly loved. He especially enjoyed driving students to sporting events and treated every child as if they were his own. Frank was a devoted St. Louis Cardinal fan and rarely missed an opportunity to attend his children’s, grandchildren’s, sporting events, and activities.

Frank was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta and an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6577.

Frank is survived by his children: Mike (Vicki) McCree of Jackson, TN, Larry (Sharon) McCree of Paragould, AR, Sue Stein of Salem, IL, Judy (Nick) Androvandi of Sparta, IL, and Julie Hanna of Sparta, IL. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, his sister, Martha Jean Harpst of Weldon, IL, along with many others who lovingly considered him their grandpa.

Frank was preceded by his wife, Marge McCree, his parents, Lowell and Marie McCree, 2 brothers, Ken McCree and Bill McCree, 2 sisters, Pat Wagner and Barbara Bockhorn, and 1 grandchild, Jamie Hanna.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, IL, with Fr, Charles Anynoku officiating. Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Visitation will be Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, where friends may call from 9:00 am, until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Sparta Senior Center, and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.