SPARTA – Mark L. Hancock, 67, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at his home.

Mark was born on April 17. 1959, in Red Bud, IL, to Leroy and Kathyrn (Grafton) Hancock. He married Debra Nowotny at the Faith Baptist Church, Marissa, IL on February 21, 1981. Mark was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, playing his guitar and spending time with his family.

Mark is survived by his wife, Debra Hancock of Sparta, IL, his children: Philip (Patricia) Hancock of Erie, PA, Zach Hancock of Sparta, IL, Jacob Hancock of Sparta, IL, David Hancock of Schofield Bks, HI, his grandson, Trenton Hancock, his siblings: Jeff (Robin) Hancock of Marissa, IL, John (Rhonda) Hancock of Sparta, IL, Rex Gregory of Licking, Mo, Frank Gregory of Collinsville, IL, Sande (John) Wasson of Sparta, IL, Tim (Becky) Gregory of Sparta, IL; his mother, Marilyn Hancock of New Athens, IL, and his family pets, Lucy and Penny.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn (Gene) Ingram, his father, Leroy Hancock, and his brother, Jay Hancock.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, Sparta, IL, with Pastor Tim Gregory officiating. Burial to follow at Tilden Cemetery, Tilden, IL. Visitation will be Tuesday morning, June 2, 2026, where friends may call from 11:00 am, until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Randolph County Humane Society and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.