Mark Henry (June 12, 1955 – April 10, 2025) was born in Springfield, Illinois, to William and Margaret Henry. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign in 1977. Mark began his career with the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he spent 35 years designing and overseeing the construction of key infrastructure projects across the state. In 1982, he married his college sweetheart, Laura Thompson, and together they raised three children: Emily, Jonathan, and Sarah. A dedicated community leader, Mark volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, coached youth soccer teams, and served on the board of the Springfield Rotary Club. He received the Illinois Engineer of the Year award in 2005 for his work on the I‑55 bridge rehabilitation project. Known for his warm sense of humor, commitment to excellence, and love of the outdoors, Mark enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Shelbyville and hiking with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Laura, his children and their spouses, six grandchildren, his sister Diane, and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy of service, integrity, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him dearly.
