Jack Marler
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Jack Marler, 74, of Pinckneyville, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 1:20 a.m. He died at home after a lengthy illness.
Jack was born Aug. 17, 1936 in Marissa, Illinois to Bron and Ora Marler. He married Martha "Marti" Lea Waters of Percy, Illinois on Nov. 14, 1963. She survives.
Jack was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, (1955-1957), and of the U.S. Army, (1957-1963). His tenure with the Army included service in the 502nd INF/101st Airborne DIV and the 504th INF / 82nd Airborne DIV. He served with distinction and earned numerous achievement qualifications including that of Airborne "Jumpmaster." Jack received an honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Jack worked as a coal miner for Streamline Coal and The Consolidated Coal Company, "Burning Star #4" and retired after 35 years. He was a member of U.M.W.A. Local #1825 and a member of the First Baptist Church of Pinckneyville. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Jack is survived by two daughters, Jill Poling-Carns of Percy, Ill., Lori (Dennis) Kleppin of Baltimore, Md.; son, John (fiancé Amy Halleran) of Franklin, Tenn. and mother-in-law, Wanda Lea Waters of Percy, Ill. Also surviving are two brothers, Clarence of Fayetteville, Ill. and Bill (Angie) of Marissa, Ill.; one sister, Doris (Jim) Rushing of Marissa, Ill. and six grandchildren, Eric (Becca) Poling, Wes Poling, Carolyn, (Matt), Brugh, Josh Kleppin, McKensey Kleppin and Reilly Kleppin.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a sister in infancy and father-in-law, Francis L. Waters.
A memorial service was scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pinckneyville with Pastor Tim Bauersachs officiating. Friends called at the First Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on the day of the service.
Military respects were provided by the Illinois Army National Guard, Marion Ill. and by the Presswood Daffron American Legion Post #2504.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Perry County Humane Society.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill., was in charge of the arrangements.
For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.