John Kosharek

MARION, Ill. -- John Kyler "Jack" Kosharek, 70, of Marion passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale in Carbondale, Ill.

Jack was born Sept. 9, 1939, in LaCrosse, Wis., son of John W. and Beatrice Hamilton Kosharek. He married Barbara Cecere on Dec. 18, 1965, in Van Nuys, Calif. She preceded him in death March 6, 2003. He and Phyllis Pulley were married March 22, 2004, in Scott City.

He was a member of the Disciples of Christ First Christian Church in Marion. John was retired after working as a kiln operator in Jackson.

Jack loved nature, his family, animals, the simple life, and he was devoted all his life to Boy Scouts of America. He earned his Eagle Scout badge and encouraged other boys to earn theirs.

He was good-hearted and was always helping people in need. He was a mentor to many young boys. His two granddaughters were his pride and joy. He will be missed by family, friends and his beloved pets, Ginger and Sam.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Kosharek of Marion; two sons, Kevin Kosharek and wife Melinda and Keith Kosharek and wife Christine, all of Bloomington, Ill.; two granddaughters, Abigail and Sabrina Kosharek; and a sister, Judith Odell and husband Randolph of Houston.

He was preceded by his parents and first wife.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to service time Thursday at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Rouse and Pastor Bill Rucker officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in Lightener Cemetery in Scott City.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market St., Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information or to sign the guest memorial register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.