Mark L. Preston, age 72, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 4, 1953, in Vincennes, IN, to Raymond G. & Dorothy M. (Carithers) Preston. He grew up in rural Flat Rock, IL, where he attended grade school before graduating from Robinson High School in 1971. Shortly after, Mark proudly served his country in the United States Navy, a commitment that shaped the patriotism he carried throughout his life. Mark remained an active supporter of his fellow veterans as a member of the Flat Rock American Legion and the Robinson VFW, and he was also an active member of the Flat Rock Masonic Lodge. These communities not only brought him camaraderie but also purpose and lifelong friendships.
When he returned home, Mark went to work at Briggs Pottery in Robinson, where he remained until its closure. From there, he rounded out his career as a prison guard at Carlisle Prison, where he eventually retired. Though he was a hard worker, Mark came alive in the outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting, and he was an avid Indian arrowhead hunter. Over the years, he gathered an impressive collection of arrowheads and Indian artifacts, treasures he delighted in showing and describing. Some of his favorite moments were spent speaking to schoolchildren in Allendale and Mt. Carmel, and the kids simply loved listening to him.
In recent years, Mark found joy in taking trips to Ellis Park, where he and his then-girlfriend, Kytrina, watched the horse races together. The two were married on November 6, 2025. To Mark, family was everything. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and he never missed calling his sisters on their birthdays. In the last months of his life, Mark gave his heart to Jesus. He cherished the times when his sisters would read the Bible to him and pray alongside him. These moments became deeply meaningful for them all. And now, the One who walked with him through those last miles is the One who receives him. His story is not finished; it has simply moved into the light. Mark is with Jesus. Fully alive. Fully at rest.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Crawford Memorial Hospital Oncology, Carle Home Health, and Transitions Hospice Care for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Mark. Special thanks also go to John and Jenny New for their countless acts of kindness, and to all who visited during his battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Kytrina; his sisters, Donna (Doug) Painter and Darla (Rob) Windes; his daughters, Amber (Wes) Pettigrew and Kris (Derek) Rice; and his son, Andy Preston. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Taylor Preston, Logan Pettigrew, Riley (Kelsie) Pettigrew, Kaycee (Cory) Williamson, Keirsten Bates, Andrew Preston, Brad Hulfachor, and Wesley Hulfachor; and his great-grandchildren: Ellie Pettigrew, Isaac Pico, Imrie Pico, Brody Williamson, Kori Hulfachor, Ryder Hulfachor, and Jayden Hulfachor. Mark is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as his much-loved dogs, Autumn and Chocolate.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Karen Mathes; his brother, Wayne Preston; his daughter, Katrina Hulfachor; and his wife, Pam Preston.
A time of visitation will be held from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Masonic services will begin at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service officiated by his brother-in-law, Pastor Rob Windes, to follow. Burial will be in Jones Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the combined forces of the U.S. Navy, Robinson VFW Post #4549, Robinson American Legion Post #69, and Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to Heritage Shelter Care in Hutsonville, IL, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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