Mark Joel Slaughter's Obituary
Mark Joel “Skeet” Slaughter, 73, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away October 15, 2023.
Skeet was born in Mattoon, Illinois, on November 1, 1949, the son of Thomas and Helen (McCormick) Slaughter.
He was a US Army veteran during Vietnam, an accomplished bowler, long-distance bicycle and motorcycle rider. He learned to cope with chronic pain resulting from severe spinal cord disabilities. He was a longtime member of AA and mentored many people on their journey to sobriety. At various times in his life, he was a carpenter, owner/operator trucker, welder, and postal worker. For many years he joined his family as “Team Slaughter” in bicycling across Iowa in RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). He enjoyed traveling in his RV. He loved his family most of all. They were everything to him.
Skeet is survived by his daughter Samantha (Paul) Baker of Decatur; brothers James “Skip” (Dolores) Slaughter of Hinsdale, IL, and Phillip “Bullsey” (Betty) Slaughter of Mattoon, IL; sister-in-law Sharon Slaughter; grandchildren Mariah, Markus, Pierson, and Adley; great-granddaughter Hazel; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law Connie and Paul Kimrey; brother and sister-in-law John Thomas “JT” and Linda Slaughter; brothers Frank Slaughter and Patrick "Sam" Slaughter; nephew and beloved friend Mike Slaughter; and former wife and lifelong friend Ann Slaughter.
Special thanks to Bullsey and Skip for their dedicated attention and care, especially the daily malt milk shakes and the many trips to the doctor.
Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is providing cremation services for Skeet. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield will take place at 2pm.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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