Mark Steven Simpson Jr., 28, of Urbana, passed away at 7:50 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. A visitation will be held Monday, July 24th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 25th at the funeral home, with Pastor J.K. Jones officiating. Burial will be held at Cartwright Cemetery in rural Tuscola.

Mark was born July 21, 1988 in Urbana, Illinois to parents Joy (Romine) and Mark Simpson Sr.; they survive. On August 27, 2016, Mark married his best friend and the love of his life, Chelsea McIntosh; she survives. Mark is also survived by one brother, Brayden Simpson (Sydney), of Bloomington, maternal grandmother, Bernice Romine, of Tuscola, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his canine companion, Molly. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Russ and Jeanne Simpson, and his maternal grandfather, John Romine.

Mark attended Judah Christian School in Champaign and graduated from Villa Grove High School. He completed his apprenticeship with the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 157, and had just begun his career as a journeyman pipefitter. Mark had only started down the path of life, with his wife, Chelsea. He was on the way to building his career and family, before the tragic auto accident took his life.

Though Mark's family and friends are devastated, there is some comfort in the knowledge that he was such a positive light in the lives of those he loved. He made friends everywhere he went and at 6'5", enjoyed being the tallest person in the room. He loved boating, motorcycles, and cars and was a member of both A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) of Illinois and the No Limit Riding Club. He may have been "a man's man," but he had a tender place in his heart for those in need, whether he knew them or not. What Mark loved most was spending time with his family and friends.

Please consider helping his family in their darkest hour by making memorial contributions to www.gofundme.com/mark-simpson-gone-too-soon. Those who wish to attend Mark's services may also make memorial contributions at the funeral home. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.