Mark A. McGrew

Mark Allen McGrew, known to friends in Havana, Illinois simply as Mark, died on October 9, 2026 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. He was 72. <cite index="1-1">Mark Allen McGrew, 72, of Havana, passed away on October 9, 2026 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield</cite>, and <cite index="1-2">Mark was born on March 30, 1954 the only child of John "Corky" and Anna Lou (Euteneuer) McGrew in Peoria, Illinois</cite>.

His family had deep roots in Mason County. <cite index="1-3">The family lived in Havana, IL where Mark cultivated many close life long friendships</cite>. For much of his adult life he lived outside Illinois, building a home and a circle of friends on the West Coast. <cite index="1-4,1-5">Mark was first married to Dan Matson, who preceded him in death, and the two spent the majority of their lives together in Glendale, CA where they were known for their parties and celebrations</cite>. <cite index="1-6">They later returned to Havana, IL to care for Mark's mother, where they remained until Dan's passing</cite>. In time, Mark found love again. <cite index="1-7,1-8">Mark later met his second husband, Brad Barnes, and the two shared a unique bond and special love, with both having been blessed to find a partner who shared not only the understanding of losing a spouse but a unique sense of humor and a love of fine food and adventure</cite>.

Back in his hometown, Mark became a steady and visible presence in civic life, especially around books and community gatherings. <cite index="1-9,1-10,1-11">An avid reader and keen businessman, Mark was a passionate advocate of the Havana Public Library and served as President of its Board of Directors, believing in the magic of a good book and the importance of supporting literacy and education</cite>. He also lent his energy to one of the town's signature events. <cite index="1-11">He served on the Havana Octoberfest committee, where he was an active and vital part of the event's past success</cite>.

Those who knew him say his civic contributions were not what defined him in the end. <cite index="1-12,1-13">For those who knew Mark, it was not his committee positions, education, or accomplishments for which he will be remembered; rather, it was his kindness of spirit, generosity, and sense of humor that made him special to all who crossed his path</cite>. <cite index="1-14">Mark made everyone laugh with his unmatched humor in any situation</cite>, friends recalled, and he had a gift for making people feel noticed and valued.

No cause of death has been made public, and the family has not released further medical details. An open house celebration of his life is planned for the coming weeks in Havana, and the family has asked that memorial gifts go to the library he championed rather than flowers.

Mark McGrew's death is a reminder that a meaningful life is not always a famous one. He was not a national figure, but in Havana, Illinois he was known, loved, and will be missed by the friends, neighbors, and library patrons whose lives he touched.