Mark A. Scott

The death of a well-known Eureka businessman has stunned the community.

Around 5 a.m. May 2, Mark A. Scott, 56, was traveling westbound on U.S. Route 24 near Washington when the sport utility vehicle he was driving collided with an oncoming semitrailer truck.

The accident occurred just west of Diebel Road, where there is no median dividing the four lanes. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene. James McCance, the truck driver, was not injured or ticketed, and, according to officials, alcohol is not suspected as a factor.

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police are investigating the accident. An autopsy will be performed in Peoria, said Tazewell County Coroner James Baldi.

A Country Financial agent, Scott began operating from his office on Center Street in Eureka 15 years ago. He was considered a civic leader and active volunteer.

A member of the Eureka Business Association, Scott also served on the board of directors for Heartland Heart House in Eureka.

He was president of Eureka Rotary Club since June, 2016. Their monthly meeting was just hours after the accident. Eureka Mayor Scott Zimmer, lead the meeting in Scott’s absence, and said it was a sober gathering.

“The club is usually very active and vocal and there’s a lot of conversation and joking,” Zimmer said that evening. “Today it was very quiet. Everybody was reflecting on Mark and what happened.”

Zimmer had only high remarks for Scott, whose involvement in the community was notable.

“He was very involved. You could always call him for advice or rely on him if you needed help or a volunteer. He always followed through,” Zimmer said, “and he could always make you smile and laugh, because he had a great sense of humor. He was a great public servant, the type of giving and caring person you want as a friend.”

On a Facebook post, the Eureka Business Association wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of Eureka’s very own business members, Mark Scott of Country Companies. He was a respected and well-loved business associate, and friend. He will be greatly missed. Please join us in praying for his family during this very difficult time.”

Scott’s wife, Andrea, is a lifelong resident of Eureka, and they have two grown children, Alyssa and Derek.

— Eureka mourns death of businessman, civic leader —