Mark Wayne Argyle

Mark Wayne Argyle (Special Son of Roy and Mary (Terry) Argyle) was born August 20, 1960, in Rockford, IL, passed away March 29, 2023 at Milestone Inc. in Rockford, IL. Mark is preceded in death by his parents. Mark is survived by his brothers, James Argyle, Richard Argyle, Leroy (Sharon Caldwell) Argyle, Colleen Argyle (sister-in-law); his nieces and nephews, Deidre (David Zaslow) Argyle, Amy (Dan) Smith, Rebecca Honaker, and Matthew Argyle; great nieces and nephews, Christian Smith, Carter Argyle, and Leah Argyle.

Mark was the type of person who made a friend everywhere he went. He would never forget a face, and often remembered people he had never met and greeted them with a hug. Family was very important to Mark, and he looked forward to all the holidays when everyone was together. He enjoyed reminiscing and sharing memories. Mark taught everyone in his life the importance of loving each other and he never missed a moment to tell you he loved you.

Mark’s favorite hobbies were eating and sports. He never missed a meal, would try anything, and normally liked it. His favorite though was a hamburger from Burger King or anything mom or his brother Dick made.

Mark loved the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, or whatever team was winning. He was an avid follower of the WWF and had a great Hulk impersonation. He spent hours reading sports magazines, books, and organizing his immense sport card collection. Mark wasn’t just a sports fan; he was a spirited competitor in the Special Olympics and had a great passion for bowling. Mark competed in the baseball throw, javelin, and the fast walk, which he decided was called the slow walk, and slow he walked. Mark like all his friends at Milestone was always a winner no matter the outcome.

Mark was always game for any new activity, and especially loved dancing and singing. He once gave a performance of “Amazing Grace” that is still remembered by the whole family. He enjoyed summer camp, fishing and camping with his brothers, and special trips to Arkansas.

Mark attended the School of Hope, where he worked and took classes in gardening, reading, crafts and dancing. His favorite was gardening and spent many hours with his dad in the family garden.

When Mark was 48, he moved into the Milestone Sawgrass group home and loved living with all his new buddies and the very caring and supportive staff. At this time, he started work at Milestone Industries, where he had several jobs, and his supervisors acknowledged his natural leadership. He often cheered on his co-workers encouraging them along when things got tough. Mark was one of the most supportive people you could ever meet. The opportunity to work made Mark very proud, and the care he received at the group home helped him live a full life.

There were very limited resources for children with Downs Syndrome in 1960. Roy and Terry, Marks parents were diligent in ensuring Mark was active and engaged, and with the help of the School of Hope and later Milestone, Mark enjoyed a very fulfilled life with family and friends.

Later in life as Mark’s health waned, he moved into a Milestone care facility. Our family is eternally grateful for the loving care he received throughout his life. The dedicated care team was with him and our family until the end. Our family would also like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please honor the memory of Mark by sending donations to Milestone Inc., so more people can have the same care Mark received throughout his life.

https://milestone-inc.org

“Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, to participate in community life, to develop and exercise personal competence, to have family and friend, and to make decisions in their lives.” Milestone Mission

Private family services are to be held. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Wayne Argyle, please visit our floral store.