Mark D. Paulson, 52, of Carbondale, formerly of Decatur and Chicago, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017.

Mark was a graduate of Eisenhower High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a Juris Doctorate, Suma Cum Laude, from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where he was also editor of the John Marshall Law Review. He was a proud member of the United States Army Reserves, 347th P&A Battalion, Marion, IL.

He was an attorney and partner for the Chicago law firm of Claussen Miller, P.C. for over 25 years, specializing in complex litigation, before retiring in 2016 due to health issues. He formerly worked on-air in radio news and programming in Carbondale. Mark settled back in Carbondale, in a peaceful cabin, on a serene pond, where he could fish, relax on his hammock, watch sports, play his guitar and entertain beloved friends and family.

In 2008 he published a book, 9/11 and Home, recounting his experiences after witnessing the attacks of 9/11 and being quarantined in a Newark N.J. hotel for the week afterward with thousands of stranded passengers.

In his own words, he unapologetically loved his family, friends, life, and the game of baseball. He spent many years playing baseball. From Kiwanis Park to the National Finals of the American Legion post 105 in Minnesota, and then on the renowned SIU baseball team. Mark was passionate about music, which he shared with his nephew, Hank, and anyone who would listen. His wit and witticism are common denominators among, friends, family and co-workers.