Mark O. Roberts, Jr.

Mark O. Roberts, Jr., age 75, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022, at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Mark, son of Mark Sr. and Florence, was born in Springfield, IL on October 14, 1946.

He attended high school at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, earned his B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas where he met his beloved wife, Sula Mae; and completed his M.B.A. at the University of Illinois. Mark was President and CEO of Standard Mutual Insurance Company where he worked for over 50 years. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and First Presbyterian Church. He proudly served on the Town and Country Board of Directors for over 40 years and served on the Red Cross Board.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcia Herington.

He is survived by his wife, Sula Mae; son, Mark III (wife Chandra); grandson, Zane; granddaughter, Kira; sisters, Nancy Herndon, and Florence “Grig” Grigsby Roberts; sisters-in-law, Judy Barker, Robin Smith, and Johanna Swartley; brother-in-law, John Henry Pinson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mark loved life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family, friends, and colleagues fiercely. He loved his many clubs, especially the Admirals Club where he was a lifetime member. Always smiling, laughing, joking, and making friends wherever he went. He loved God and his country. He loved hunting and fishing and cherished every opportunity he had to fish with the Goodday Team in Costa Rica. He loved a good party and was known for his uncanny dance moves.

Mark was a sharp dressed man. He loved the holidays because it was a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it was also a time to wear the season head-to-toe. Everyone looked forward to the time of year when he would break out his infamous red plaid Christmas jacket, pheasant bow ties, and candy cane pants. He loved the 4th of July and was especially proud of his fireworks as an unofficial pyrotechnician professional.

Mark was an avid collector and aficionado of many things. He had backups for his backups. Political memorabilia, tactical gear, hats, flashlights, fine leather goods and bags, and all things camouflage. He especially appreciated proper footgear.

Mark touched the lives of so many. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed. He was a friend to so many.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, with nephew, Mark Waldron officiating. For those who wish to stream the ceremony, you may do so by visiting here.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, #1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702, or at ilconservation.org; Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation, 830 South Grand Ave West, Springfield, IL 62704, or at ciafonline.org; or The American Red Cross Illinois Capital Area Chapter.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

In Mark’s words, “I move for adjournment”