Corey W. Markey

Corey William Markey, 42, of Athens, left this world on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois with his sisters and mother by his side through his passing. Corey blessed this world when he was born, July 24, 1978 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Corey is the totally irreplaceable, first born, only son of Deana Schmock (John Rebbe) and adoptive father, Gary Schmock. Bubby is the proud and admired brother of sisters Rachel Taylor (M.D. Taylor) and Megan Schmock (Johann & Madi Ko). He is the fun and adored Uncle Bubby of niece, Evalaine Taylor, and nephew, Kobe Taylor and the tenacious grandson of Paul Schmock. He is a cherished member of his bonus family, Mary Tobias, Alicia Carter, Kristin Tobias, Morgan Thoman and several nieces and nephews. Corey is the kind and generous nephew, cousin and friend to so many near and far.

Corey is the beloved grandson of late Evelyn (Lawrence) Markey and Patricia Schmock, the endearing bonus family to late Billy Tobias and best friend to his late, loyal Labrador Lacey.

He was an Athens (IL) Warrior, Greenview (IL) Bulldog and a South Adams (IN) Starfire where he competed in bowling, wrestling, football and chess and participated in the church youth group and quiz team.

A jack of all trades and an ambitious man with passion and drive , there was not much Corey could not do when he was determined. He was a volunteer youth sports coach as well as a big brother with the Boys & Girls Club of America. Construction was his primary talent of many. He once founded and managed Corey Markey Construction in Arizona, building and perfecting houses into homes.

Corey was a gardener, mechanic, adventurer, entrepreneur, farm hand, storyteller, collector, deep thinker and recently a tie-dye enthusiast. Most of all, Corey enjoyed helping and caring for people.

To his sisters, he was also the Brother of all (trades) whom they have adored and admired all their lives . Corey was their babysitter, stylist, chauffeur, mechanic, chef, travel agent, tour guide, car salesman, airport escort, security, cheerleader and mentor. But most of all, he was our Bubby, our best big brother.

We know Corey’s infectious personality, wit and compassion have touched more people than we know. Just like his mother, he has never met a stranger. Corey could make a dark room light and make someone smile in their darkest moments. In passing, it is to no disbelief he made the decision to continue helping as many people as possible through the Gift of Hope organization. Although we could not give him a miracle, he leaves a legacy and a chance at a miracle for so many others.

His Grandmas Markey and Schmock chose him first. We will mourn him. We will miss him. We will celebrate him. Our Big Brother, our Bubby, our Uncle Bubby. Our Son, our Brother, our Friend, our Family.

To everyone he would say, “You are Smart. You are Beautiful and You can do Anything”.

Love You Mostest, Mostest, Mostest! Kisses and Errrrrs!

Corey’s Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family.