Mark L. Minshall

Mark L. Minshall, age 69, of Mason, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Mark was born December 12, 1952 to Carson and Nancy (Hendryx) Minshall. He graduated from Mason High School, the close knit class of 1971, to which he had many lifetime friends. He spent his career as a musician in many bands such as Kilgore Trout and The Backwoods Band. He was also a land surveyor, taking after his idolized late grandfather, Laverne Hendryx.

Mark was preceded in death by his loving son, Andrew E. Minshall, his father Carson E. Minshall and nephew, Christopher Clark. He is survived by his mother Nancy A. Minshall and daughter Melissa (Ben) Ballard of Mason. He is also survived by the joys of his life, his grandchildren, DrewAnn Ballard, Jordan Ballard, Jace Ballard and Cameryn Hope. Mark is also survived by his many siblings Steve Minshall, Gregory Minshall, David (Kerri) Minshall, Phillip (Leanne) Minshall, Kerry (Kerri) Minshall and Anita (Thomas) McLaughlin, including many nieces and nephews, along with great nieces and nephews.

Mark lived for his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy and he would “light up” whenever he spoke of them. He always attended his children’s sporting events, was a proud Bulldog parent and number one cheerleader for them. During his son Andy’s terminal illness, he cared for him “beyond anything I have seen anyone do”. After his son’s passing, he was the founder of the Andy Minshall/Heather Allen Leukemia Fund. AKA “The Leuko-Freaks”. He made the best out of every holiday for his family and loved seeing the joy on his grandchildren’s faces. He taught them all many things including how to ride bikes, fish, how to make bean soup from scratch, and most recently teaching his grandson Jace how to play guitar.

Mark was a very patient and kind youth bowling coach for many years at Mason Lanes. He loved coaching and teaching. Whether it included music or sports, he always wanted to bring out the best in anyone. His calm, kind demeanor helped aid in his teachings.

Mark had a great love and passion for the outdoors. He excelled at growing flowers and vegetables for others to enjoy, even growing them from seeds. His home grown tomatoes were the absolute best!

His favorite color was “sky blue pink”. We could always count on him to know which stars and planets were located in the sky at all times. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bird watching, skipping rocks and camping. His rustic hiking/camping trip with his son Andy was one of his most memorable trips. Mark had many hobbies including, gem collecting, bowling, golf, tennis and watching the MSU Spartans. He cherished attending games with his brother, Philip. He was an avid State fan and always counted on his texts with his good friend Bailey during the games. Go green!

One of Mark‘s greatest loves, was his music. He was a very talented musician, guitar player, singer, keyboard player, harmonica player and had an amazing talent to learn music. He was self taught.

He played alongside with his best friend Leon and close band members, in The Backwoods Band. They played at many Sun-Dried music festivals downtown Mason, the Fireman’s Ball for the Mason Fire Department, many weddings, including his daughter Melissa’s wedding and Thursday Night Live concerts on the Mason Courthouse Lawn.

Most of the time, you could find Mark walking or riding his red scooter around Mason. He enjoyed his walks and never accepted a ride, no matter how many times they were offered. He loved his conversations with people he would run into on his walks. Mark enjoyed stopping into the fire station on his walks to chat and catch up with his brother Kerry. He was always looking for a good deal, garage sale or free pick up on the curb. He could make something out of anything and make it shine like new. Mark knew how to fix just about anything, had anything you needed and knew mostly something about everything. If he didn’t, he would do his research and get back with you and let you know. He looked out for his neighbors. Helped them shovel, mow lawns and look after their pets. He made the best out of every situation would have given his last penny to a stranger.

Most of all, Mark had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He sure did make all of our lives more interesting.

“Mark was a man of meager means, and untold riches. Surrounded by the over abundant love and support of his family, he overcame more obstacles than any one person should have had to. He did so with a constant smile on his face, a determination to make his piece of earth better than he found it, and a compassion for those in need, that was only surpassed by his desire to soften or eliminate their pain, ignoring his own.”

A Celebration of Life, Music Memorial will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Mason, MI. from 1pm-4pm Saturday, March 12th.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Minshall family.