Donald M. Marks

Donald Merlin Marks, 69, of Fort Lauderdale passed away unexpectedly on the evening of December 27th, 2016. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 12pm on Monday, January 2nd at Rio Vista Community Church, 880 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately after the service.

Don was born in Aurora, IL on August 17, 1947 to Merlin Edward Marks and June Lankow Marks. The family moved to Fort Lauderdale when he was just a toddler. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1965, and from Georgia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1970. He would later earn an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

His prominent construction career began while working for C.A. Gibeaut before establishing Marks Morris Construction Company with longtime friend, Hugh Morris in 1979. He later went on to become President of Form Works Inc., where his numerous accomplishments can be seen throughout South Florida. Some of his favorite and most memorable jobs include BB&T Center, the American Airlines Arena, the Diplomat Hotel, Portofino Tower and Gehry's New World Symphony among others. Beyond Form Works, he continued on at Baker Construction, working and mentoring the next generation of construction engineers. Throughout his career, he was active as a member and leader in a number of professional boards and associations, including former president of American Society of Concrete Contractors, as well as being named a fellow in the American Concrete Institute. Don was lovingly dubbed the "King of Concrete" by his family.

As accomplished as he was in business, Don's truly remarkable legacy can be seen in what he did for his family and his community. His faith in God, the love he had for his family and his generosity towards others is without compare. For more than 40 years, Don gave both his time and resources to his church and school as a teacher, elder and school board president. It is his commitment and dedication to his faith that will continue to impact the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact.

Don is survived by his high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 48 years, Louise Ash Marks; daughter Becky Lance and husband, Eric; daughter Angie Matsoff and husband, Chuck; daughter Ashleigh Gore; grandchildren Jordan, Erika, Hudson and Gabe Lance; Austin, T and Blaze Matsoff; Andy and Cameron Gore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Rio Vista Community Church or Bethany Christian School, 880 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.