Published on August 13, 2025 6:19 pm
Last Updated on August 19, 2025 3:30 pm
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Mark Henry (Coach) Tovey, 71, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, IL.
Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Mark Henry Tovey was born on February 20, 1954, in Danville, IL, the son of Henry and Carolyn (Houston) Tovey. He attended school in Westville IL, where he was a multi-sport athlete, graduating in 1972. Mark always knew he wanted to teach and coach. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Eastern Illinois University, leading to a lifelong career both coaching and teaching at the high school level and also coaching at the collegiate level. Mark tried to instill in his students and athletes that anything was possible if one took pride in their work, demonstrated self-discipline, and respected others. Mark was married to Carol O’Haver, and together they had three boys.
Mark is survived by his three children, Braedon Tovey of Charlotte, NC; Wyatt and Emma (Nunley) Tovey, of Chicago, IL; and Reed Tovey of Cedar Rapids, IA; two siblings, Dane (Suchi) Tovey of San Diego, CA, and Lynn (Larry) Hepburn of Westville, IL; nephew, Gabe (Robin) Spezia; and great-niece, Charlee Spezia of Westville, IL; great-nephew, Brodie Garrison, and great-niece, Brooklyn Garrison of Henning, IL.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Steve and Ruth Tovey; maternal grandmother, Mary Houston; and niece, Abbey Spezia-Vice.
Fondly known as “Coach”, Mark will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime!