On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 7:35 AM, Mark Alan Hilligoss, 73, left the loving arms of his wife and went to his forever home with Our Lord and Savior.

Mark had been battling lung and brain cancer. He fought the fight but ultimately lost the battle.

Mark was born December 29, 1951, to Wesley and Marjorie (Jolly) Hilligoss in Springfield. He married the love of his life, Debra Prewitt on December 29, 2024, at Asbury Methodist Church in Jacksonville. She survives in Girard.

He is also survived by his children, Christopher of Girard, Will (Marcie) Boomer of Pittsfield, Mariah Freesen of Boulder, CO, and Jane Grote of Nashville, TN; brothers, Wesley of Birchwood, WI, Steven of Jacksonville, and John of Southern California; sister, Lynn of Lake Geneva, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Mark graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1970, where he lettered in football and wrestling. After high school, one of Mark's interesting jobs was being the caretaker of the 4-H Camp on Lake Jacksonville where he grew up. He entered into the U.S. Navy in 1978. He proudly served his country on board the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, being stationed in Pearl Harbor for two years, and sailing the Pacific Rim to many U.S. Ports. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1984 with a rank of BT2 E5. After Mark came home, he worked at the Kincaid Power Plant for 35 years before retiring.

Mark's ranch in Macoupin County was his pride and joy. He spent many, many happy times winning golf tournaments around the county and playing golf with his family in Arizona every winter. He also liked to camp, canoe, and float on the Current River and other rivers around the Ozarks with his family and friends. He had special memories of family time camping, Boy Scouts, and family gatherings in Wisconsin. Mark loved nature, Indian lore, the wilderness, and his family. He will be sadly missed by all. Mark was the Ultimate Patriot.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Asbury Methodist Church, by Lake Jacksonville. A burial will follow at the Asbury Church Cemetery with Navy Military Honors. After the burial, fellowship time with food and drink will be available in the church basement; the family would love to meet you and hear your memories with Mark. Memorials are suggested to Asbury Methodist Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.