Mark T. Gray, age 71, of Beaver Prairie, passed away on March 8, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. Born on June 13, 1954, in Highland, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Celesta (Krone) Gray. He married Jean M. Peppenhorst on August 21, 1982, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Beckemeyer.

Mark lived a life marked by hard work, love, and cherished moments with his family. He committed many years to his work as a diesel mechanic until his early retirement. Mark had a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was sitting by the bank fishing, quietly waiting in a tree stand for deer, or exploring the woods on his side-by-side. However, his most treasured moments were at home, where he loved spending time with his family and close friends, and, most of all, in his recliner with his grandchildren on his lap, enjoying their laughter as they playfully declared, "Grandpa, I'm in your chair." Those joyful echoes filled his heart with warmth.

Mark is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jean Gray; his sons Otis Gray, and wife Sheena, and Zane Gray and wife Nicole; his beloved grandchildren Gavin, with special friend Brooke, Carter, Payzli, Emelia, Zoey, Carlee, Maddex, and Tyce; his sister Sherry Donnelly and her husband Bob and his sister Holly Gray; as well as his in-laws Mike and Phyllis Miller and Joe and Donna Luebbers, and his godchild Jenny Gray, in additon to many more nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Kenneth and Celesta Gray; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and June Peppenhorst; and his brother, Mike Gray.

Private funeral services will be held at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese.

Memorials made in memory of Mark are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 150 North Clinton Street, Breese, IL 62230.