Mark Lawrence Smith

06/18/1954-10/31/2021

Mark was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1954. At the age of three, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Mark participated in Boy Scouts of America and loved to spend time outdoors camping and site-seeing. He graduated from Paradise Valley High school in 1972 and moved on to join the United States Marine Corps.

While in the service, Mark became active with the Young Marines as well as an instructor in Flight Engineering. He spent 2 years in Japan where he grew to love the culture and all Japan had to offer. After 20 years of active service, Mark, very proudly, retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After retirement, Mark went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and became employed with Regis where he worked his way up to a supervisory position.

Mark loved to spend time with his family and attend all the annual birthdays and gatherings. He became famous for making salsa and cherished his traditional role of Santa every Christmas.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence E. and Mary B. Smith. He is survived by his four brothers David McCullough, Kenneth Smith, William Smith and Thomas Smith and four sisters Judith Payton, Kathryn Hilliker, Carol Jo Trotter and Patricia Lemmon. He also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was loved by all and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to either the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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