Mark D. Gillenwater

Mark D. Gillenwater, 63, of New Haven, passed away on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a life that was anything but ordinary. Born on June 28, 1962, Mark lived a life defined by his humor, stubbornness, care for people, and a heart that left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to cross his path. He graduated from New Haven High School in 1981.

While the official records will say Mark was a custodian at East Allen County Schools for 41 years, those who truly knew him will remember so much more. They’ll remember his effortless humor that could lighten any room, the quiet and steady ways he showed love, his deep care for others, and his mix of stubbornness and wisdom that always seemed to show up at the right time. They’ll remember how easily he connected with children, making them laugh and feel truly seen, and above all, the humble demeanor that left a lasting mark on everyone around him.

He could get people laughing on days when they were barely holding it together, and he had a habit of showing up uninvited, yet somehow right on time. He fed the stray cats in the neighborhood and swore it was only so the leftovers didn’t go to waste, definitely not because he actually liked them. He never wanted the spotlight and never saw himself as anything out of the ordinary, but the truth is he meant a lot more to us than he realized.

Mark was a son, brother, daddy, soulmate, grandpa, uncle, cousin, and friend. To the kids at his school, he was “Paw Paw,” someone we all looked forward to being around. He is survived by his daughters Ashley Dooley (Kellen), Haley Gillenwater (Daniel Gray), and Kyley Schorey (Ethan). He is also survived by the love of his life and soulmate, Jackie Smith, his stepson Brendon Smith (Natalie), his grandchildren Aydan Parr, Greyson Parr, Laryn Dooley, Karolyne Schorey, Eloiyse Schorey, Kreed Schorey, Olivia Smith, Owen Smith, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was reunited in passing with his parents, Thelma and Walter Gillenwater, and his brothers Butch, Dave, and Doug. We can picture them now, sitting around the kitchen table, catching up and laughing while Grandma cooks her homemade noodles and mashed potatoes, just like old times.

He loved to fish, especially at the old house, and he enjoyed his trips to the lake with Jackie where they spent time together and made some of their best memories. Truthfully, he’d go anywhere with Jackie. He loved being with his grandkids, playing with them, joking around, and watching them grow. He was proud of his daughters and his grandchildren, and he should be proud of the legacy he leaves behind.

We will miss his Markisms and want to share a few.

“Put me down”

“The more I teach you, the dumber I get”

“I’m glad you got to see me”

“I love you too much”

“Boogerbox”

“You made my bottom burble”

"Have you seen the trees? They are raspberry red, lemon yellow, and orange orange"

To say that he will be missed is an understatement. He was loved more than he knew.

A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the VFW in New Haven, 12700 Dawkins Road, New Haven, IN 46774 on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Friends and family are invited to attend, share a story, a memory, or share their own Markism.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, 435 Limestone Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, rmhccin.org. Keepsakes or flowers may be sent to the VFW as well.