Mark Ernest Crocker died Monday, September 1, 2008 at Hope Care Center, Kansas City, Missouri. He was 56.

He was born September 18, 1952 in Mt. Pulaski, Il., the son of Charles Otto and Bonnie Jean Monk both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by sisters, Sharon Ton (Jim) of Chesterton; Susan Murphy of Canton, Ohio; Sandy Fullerton (Larry) of Camden, Tenn.; Jill Fuqua of Okala, Fla.; step-sisters, Elizabeth Monk (Hal) and Shon Hoye (Lonnie), both of Effingham, Ill.; half-sister, Cathy Monk of Effingham, Ill.; brothers, Charles Wright (Marge) of Indianapolis; Kenneth McGuire; John Shaw of Dallas, Texas; Clifford Monk and John Monk (Debrah), both of Effingham, Ill.; and step-brother Ronnie Monk (Shandra) of Billings, Mont.

He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews; close personal friends, Ed and Mary Gilliland (parents of his life partner).

He is preceded also in death by his sister Terry Shaw and life partner Michael Gilliland.

Mark served in the United States Navy and then attended Culinary School in New York. He worked as a chef while in the military and after his discharge worked as a waiter/chef in Chicago. After moving to Kansas City he worked as a chef at the University of Missouri Kansas City and later at a local restaurant. He was an avid fisherman and baseball/football fan. He also had a love for painting and interior design.

Memorial Service was held at Hope Care Center, Kansas City, Missouri. A gravesite service is pending in Effingham, Ill.

Memorials by be given to family to defray funeral expenses and Hope Care Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Arrangements by Marts Memorial Services Kansas City, Mo. (816) 561-8181.

Posted 10/2/2008