Mark was a hero to anyone who knew him. He plowed ahead through his most difficult challenges with a fricking smile!! Because of his inner strength and an unwavering spirit of determination that faced down his trials and tribulations I feel blessed to have been able to call him a friend.  And to witness this astonishing full life he led in spite of his obstacles was a gift from above. The Creator of creation loves courage and Mark was one of the bravest man that I ever met. He’s probably doing three man rolls in heaven right now with a big smile on his face. RIP

A light went out in my life when Mark passed. I had the pleasure of working with Mark and knowing him as a friend. As a professional, Mark was a pro's pro. At meetings, he was always prepared, always plugged in, and always fair. As a friend Mark had the ability of making everyone he encountered feel better about themselves after the encounter. I recall once when visiting him post-op in the hospital, I was initially concerned about what I might say. As was usually the case he put me at ease and we talked about our shared passion for baseball. I will try to honor his memory by being more considerate of others. My wife and I will be making a donation to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association in Mark's honor. I extend my most sincere condolences to the entire family, and especially to Tamie (you know how much he meant to me).

From my first day in February 1996 to just last week, Mark started my days wth an upbeat "Jess!", nevermind how the world or his body was going that day. He was there for me and everyone at naric, or biggest cheerleader and our fiercest protector. We will never fill your shoes, my friend, nor do we want to. Hail the traveler.

I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing.  I had the pleasure of working with him at HeiTech Services for a number of years and he was such a great and positive influence on myself and everyone that he interacted with.  He will be missed.

70th Birthday, special dinner by the Bay.
I’m going to miss you so much, we had many  great times together. You have been an an inspiration💜

Our last Ravens game, we beat those damn Steelers!

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. O through a mutual friend. Mr. O always had a huge smile that would light an entire room and uplift anyone who may be having a tough day. Even though I didn’t know him for a long period of time, the short time I had to chat with him, I thank God and will forever cherish that time.  His joy for life and the image of his smile will forever be an imprint in my heart. May God bless the entire family. RIH Mr. O.

Lest we forget, Mark was an excellent Football Player and Wrestler at Archbishop Carroll High School. He attained the highest honor in Scouting by earning an Eagle Scout Badge. 

Mark loved the outdoors. He was a Master fire builder. Putting in his greatest blaze at Camp Burnt Foot, in the tiny town of Ireland, West Virginia. 

Mark had a period in his life joined to the Harley Davidson Lifestyle. Mark participated in HD Rally’s in Daytona Beach, Fl. , Pigeon Forge, Tn. and local parties too numerous to count. He was embraced by the Harley Brotherhood for his domineering spirit and with great affection was even given a Harley nickname which he enjoyed immensely, “Otis”.

Mark was never limited one bit by his challenge, whether it was being on the sidelines during an NFL Game in Baltimore or behind stage at a Grateful Dead Concert in the hills of Blacksburg, Va. There wasn’t ever an obstacle that Mark allowed to stand in his way. 

When Mark met and talked with Mohammed Ali after Ali defeated George Foreman, in what was widely thought to be an impossible upset, Mark said he was so inspired by Ali’s words and deeds that he knew he could do anything and accomplish whatever he wanted and Mark always finished the job. . 

Mark was a history buff whose Determination echoed the words of Julius Caesar, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I  came, I saw, I conquered). There’s Courage and then there’s Courage Above and Beyond to always Conquer, Mark possessed the later. 

It would be best to Celebrate Mark’s Life through a kaleidoscope, to experience the variety of Colorful, Interesting, Lovely and Lively Times of Mark’s Life’s Journey.

Remember.

I'm Mimi, Mr Mark Personal care assistant.

I can still remember every morning we spent together, you were so generous, a man with a big heart... You knew how to lift my spirits when was sad, when was crying... You used to say to me: "Mimi, I want you to know that you're not what people think badly of you, you are precious, strong and a fighter. Be proud of yourself and know that am and will always be proud of you." 
Mr. Mark, can't believe it, still remember when Would come to take care of you in the evenings, just by opening the door would hear "Heyyy Mimi, Miss America how are you doing baby girl?"

only have good memories of you Mr. Mark, "Mimi, you make me happy every morning. I always start my day well with a big smile." Stronger together as your were always saying!

 The day of the snowstorm, I drove for almost an hour and twenty minutes to come take care of you... you told me "You are my hero" you risked your life for me, will be forever grateful to you.

I will miss you forever Mr Mark 😭!

I knew Mark when I worked with him at Macro in the 1980s and even after I retired, we remained friends. His ability to be upbeat, positive and sunny set him off from the rest of the community he worked with. He bore his disability with grace and grit, especially in the years since he got the life-threatening disease that would have defeated any other man. I will remember him always for his good humor, his ready smile and his outsized personality. 
Louise Appell

Condolences and prayers to Mark's family, he was a very courageous guy! I went to High School with Mark and remember the kind, friendly person with the big heart that he always was back then. And even after his accident, Mark was ALWAYS the affable, caring, upbeat guy that was a pleasure to know and be around. He will be missed by the Carroll Lions community that knew him, with cherished memories. Rest in Peace, Mark...

Mark and I have known each other for a long time. He was the kindest person I know. I can not stop crying because a great man is no longer with us.

This was Saturday night at the ravens game , i would stop by to see Mark and john at most ravens games for 25 plus years , ive known Mark since i was little boy he and my oldest brother were little league teammates, , i will certainly miss you Mark, you were a one of kind human being ❤️

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mark Xavier Odum

3 septembre 1954 – 15 janvier 2025

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

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