Frank Chornak

Frank Chornak, 90, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 10:30 p.m. at his family home with his son and daughter by his side. 

Frank was born April 26, 1923 in Royalton, Illinois, the son of Frank and Verne Chornak.  He married Mollie Hogg on May 25, 1947, in Piggott, Ark., and together they shared over 64 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death on November 14, 2011.  Frank was a member of First Baptist Church in Marion. 

 Mr. Chornak grew up and graduated from West Frankfort High School in 1941, where he enjoyed and excelled in many sports. In 1941, he won the State Championship in the Pole Vault.  In December of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Europe.  He participated in D Day, landing on Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Liberation of Paris.  Following his honorable discharge from active service at the conclusion of the war, Mr. Chornak returned to the area and completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Southeast Missouri University.  He went on to teach and coach for 39 years in southern Illinois including schools at Benton, Mt. Vernon, Waltonville, Flora, and Marion. Coach Chornak was honored to be inducted into the West Frankfort Athletic Hall Of Fame and also the Mt. Vernon Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Chornak enjoyed hunting and fishing the lakes in southern Illinois and Canada and being with family and friends.  Also he loved to attend and watch athletic events in his retirement years. 

Survivors include two children, son Mike Chornak and daughter Kathy Dallas and husband Mark of Marion; four grandchildren Marcy and Brax Dallas, and Collin and Sydney Chornak. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother of West Frankfort.

Per his wishes, friends may gather at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion for graveside services which  will be conducted on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Rose Hill Cemetery. Dr. Bob Dickerson will be officiating.  For those who wish, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market Street, Marion, Illinois, 62959.