Edward Bernard Marak

Edward Bernard Marak, 94, of Panama, passed away at 9:23 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

Bernard was born January 11, 1926 in rural Bond County, the son of August and Margaret (Trobaugh) Marak.  He graduated from Hillsboro High School, and went on to proudly serve our country in United States Army during World War II.  It was while he was abroad that he met the love of his life, Daphne May “Pat” Bundy.  They were wed July 6, 1946 in St. Neots, England, and moved back to Panama shortly after. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2016, after nearly 70 years of marriage. 

Bernard worked as an equipment operator for Shell Oil for many years, eventually retiring from there. He was a dedicated member of the V.F.W. Post #6628 in Panama, where he served as Quarter Master for many years.  Bernard was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he enjoyed fishing every weekend at his cabin on the Kaskaskia River.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Kenny Cruthis; great grandson, Devin Cruthis; brother, John Marak; and sisters, Marlene Gad, Liz Jordan, and Margie Malisia.

Bernard is survived by his son, Kenneth (Kathy Long) Marak of Panama; daughters, Carol Cruthis of Panama, and Janet Akeman of Branson, MO; grandchildren, Tammy (husband, Steve) Knuth of St. Charles, MO, Kevin (Merry) Cruthis of Panama, Doug (wife, Adreanne) Cruthis of Panama, and Sarah (husband, James) Plybon of Branson, MO; several great grandchildren; step-grandchildren, Josh Long and David Thompson; sister-in-law, Caroline Marak of Taylor Springs; and many nieces and nephews.

Private family ceremonies will be held at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama, with Pastor Ray Snider officiating.  Interment will follow the ceremonies at Union Cemetery in Panama with military honors.  For those wishing to pay their respects to Bernard and his family, we invite you to line the procession route down Calvin Avenue in Panama, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020.  For those who wish to witness the committal rites at the cemetery, we ask that you practice social distancing at the cemetery, and we encourage you to wear a mask, as recommended by the CDC and local health departments.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Union Cemetery Association, PO Box 760, Panama, IL 62077.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.