MATTOON — Marion Lee Haile, 73, of Mattoon, Ill., formerly of Bethany, passed away at 11:10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon.

Marion was born July 27, 1952, in Mount Vernon, Ill., the son of Alfred M. and Edna Orrison Haile. He had been a welder and pipe fitter in the Decatur area and was a member of the Moultrie County Bass Club. He married Diane Trotter on Dec. 1, 1972, in Dahlgren.

He spent his life mentoring others in quiet, meaningful ways — through coaching youth softball and baseball, as well as in his welding trade. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, golfing and hunting. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals, Fighting Illini and Las Vegas Raiders fan. In his final years, his dog, Stella, was a faithful companion who brought him comfort and joy.

The family is deeply grateful to the many nurses and aides who cared for him, especially Ali and Destiny, for the compassionate and attentive care they provided during the difficult final months of his illness.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Diane (Trotter) Haile of Mattoon; daughters: Amy (Doug) Fultz of Sullivan and Amanda Nave of Warrensburg; son, Dustin (Sarah) Haile of Mount Vernon; brother, Gerald Haile of Belle Rive; sisters, Linda (Tom) Blanton of Bonnie and Sheryl (DeWayne) Artis of Mount Vernon; grandchildren: Trevor (Jordan) Dukeman of Blue Mound, Tate (Emma) Fultz of Sullivan, Noah Dukeman of Tuscola, Sophie (Blake) Pistorius of Macon, Phoebe Haile and Hattie Haile – both of Mount Vernon, and Evan and Wyatt Nave, both of Warrensburg; great-granddaughter, Caroline Dukeman of Blue Mound; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. A second visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren, officiated by Pastors Dustin Haile and Doug Fultz. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Lowry Hill Cemetery in Belle Rive.

Memorials are suggested to Traditions Health Hospice Care and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at gholsonfuneralhome.com.