Roman A. Marks' Obituary
Roman Alexander Marks Jr. (Alex) passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
Alex was born in Sikeston, MO on February 4, 1966 to his parents Roman and Norma Marks. Alex spent his first three years in Sikeston and then moved with his parents to Decatur in 1969. He spent the rest of his formidable years in Decatur attending Ben Franklin Grammar School, Mound Middle School, Stephen Decatur High School, and Graduated from MacArthur High School. Following his high school graduation, he attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.
Growing up, Alex was a good athlete who briefly played baseball but spent the majority of his time playing basketball in middle school and high school. While in college, he was a bi-athlete who won several competitions for cycling and running. He was also involved in ROTC and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Alex was also a huge Chicago sports fan with the loveable Cubs, the Bulls, Champion Blackhawks, and his beloved Bears. He also trained for and completed the Chicago marathon.
Alex relished working and always demonstrated a strong work ethic. He spent over 30 years in the food and restaurant industry. He served in all positions in the restaurant industry from busboy all the way to general manager and successfully managed several Honey Baked Ham stores while in AZ.
During his life, Alex has live in MO, IL, AZ, and CA. While living in Phoenix, AZ, he met his wife Wendy. They began dating in 1998 and were married in 2000. They continued to live in Phoenix for the next four years and then moved to CA in late 2004. The couple lived in CA for the next 9 years until Wendy passed away from health complications in early 2013. Alex then decided to move back to IL in June of 2013 where he resided till his passing.
Alex was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Roman and wife, Wendy. He is survived by his mother Norma, Brother Chris (Courtney), niece and nephew Cai and Christopher, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Alex had a big heart and was a gentle soul and will be sorely missed.
Memorial Liturgy to celebrate Alex’s life will be 2 PM Saturday, January 9, 2015 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral home with Rev. Rick Weltin officiating. Visitation will be 1-2 PM Saturday in the funeral home. Private burial will be at a later date in Graceland Cemetery.
The family of Roman Alexander Marks Jr. (Alex) is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for Roman Alexander Marks, Jr.: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GFM4P3X3DPXJ7ZM6
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