C. "Mark" Kingseed

world better than he found it. Mayor of Centerville, Ohio, for 12 years, he never lost faith in democracy,

nor his joy in being a public servant. He believed he lived the American dream.

Mark was born in Bainbridge, Maryland, to parents William and Marilyn, whom he adored and

respected as part of America’s greatest generation. He used the work ethic he gained cleaning pig pens

on the family farm in Sidney, Ohio, to graduate from Georgetown law school—focused on the idea of

becoming a politician and using the power of government as a tool for good. He started his political

career in 1990 as a member of the Centerville City Council and was elected mayor in 2003. Frequently

on Ohio’s best lawyer list, he practiced labor law with a signature integrity.

Mark was a history nerd with a love of reading evident by his 1,600‐volume library. He was father to two

beloved children, Laura and Dan, who were once rocked to sleep by his singing of the Star Spangled

Banner. In 1997 he married Joannie, the love of his life. They lived their lives as soul mates, she always

feeling blessed by the magnificent sound of his laughter. Wherever they travelled, he was the life of the

party—using his quick wit and sense of humor to cheer and comfort family and friends.

For the last 12 years, Mark met the challenge of cancer with courage and optimism. He used his

remissions to experience life to the fullest and always reveled in small graces. To the end he followed

the path led by God and let Him guide the way.

Mark is preceded in death by his father William. In addition to his wife Joannie and children Laura

Hickman (Patrick) and Dan, he is survived by his mother Marilyn; siblings Jeb, Cole (Mary), Mary

Lanzillotta (Larry), Wyatt, and Teresa Manteuffel (Randy); his grandchildren Micah and Ben Hickman;

dozens of adoring nieces, nephews, and in‐laws; as well as grateful friends and constituents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October, 20, at SouthBrook Christian Church, 9095

Washington Church Road, Miamisburg, Ohio. The family will receive friends on Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8

p.m., at the Centerville City Building, 100 West Spring Valley Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Castle (133 N Main Street, Centerville).