Mark Nathan Beyer

Mark Nathan Beyer, 53, of Lee’s Summit, passed away on February 23, 2026. He was born on October 2, 1972, to Harry Jr. and Judy Beyer. From the very beginning, Mark lived a life that would shape not only his own journey, but the lives of countless others who had the privilege of knowing him.

One of the earliest and most defining parts of Mark’s life was his involvement with Special Olympics. He began participating in Special Olympics in Winchester, Virginia and it quickly became one of the great joys of his life. Over the years he competed in bowling, track, soccer, softball, and basketball. He especially excelled in bowling, advancing to the state Special Olympics competition. Athletics brought him pride, friendships, confidence, and countless memories that he carried with him throughout his life.

Mark loved his years in school and attended until he was 21. At age 22, he proudly began employment at McDonalds with his sister Kelley serving as his job coach. He later worked at SE Enterprises where he remained for more than 20 years before deciding it was time to retire to what he happily called “a life of leisure.” When asked what he was doing, Mark would confidently reply, “I’m retired,” always with a big smile on his face.

His favorite things were dinners with family, The Chiefs, and watching his favorite shows, which included The Brady Bunch, Top Gun, Happy Days and Star Trek. He loved music and could often be found happily singing along.

From the time he could talk, his daily questions were always the same: “What’s for breakfast? What’s for lunch? What’s for dinner?”

Mark was a keen observer of the world around him and never hesitated to share his opinion. If he liked something or didn’t, you knew immediately—usually delivered with a decisive thumbs up or thumbs down, a gesture we suspect he borrowed from his favorite television character Fonzie. He loved being the hero of any story and preferred shows where the hero looked like him. In fact, he had a strict rule against watching movies where the woman was the heroine—a trait that became part of his legendary personality.

Mark was well traveled during his 53 years. He also made sure those travels went on his terms. If he had enough, he wasn’t afraid to sit down in the middle of a busy sidewalk and declare he was done. In Rome, just outside the Vatican, Mark held one of his more memorable protests. Apparently, even being in an audience with Pope John Paul II, wasn’t incentive enough. Fortunately, there was almost always a McDonald’s or ice cream shop nearby to help negotiations along.

Family meant everything to Mark. He adored becoming an uncle to Lauren and Aidan Hull and loved his role as brother-in-law to Aaron Hull—always ready to take Aaron’s side if necessary. He treasured time with family, including Courtney, Ryan, Sydney, Dominic, Brian, Kerry, Bev, Steve, Emma, Grant, Riley, and Addison, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. For years, attending the family reunion in New Smyrna Beach was the highlight of his summer, enjoying time with his mom’s extended family.

Mark’s life changed not only his family but his entire community. His birth inspired his parents to become passionate advocates for equal rights and access to education, employment, and opportunity. Over the decades, many have shared how knowing Mark—through school, Special Olympics, volunteering, or friendship—led them into careers in education, social work, coaching, and other helping professions. His impact extended far beyond what anyone could have imagined.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Harry Sr. and Ennie Beyer and Stacey and Nan Turner, Aunt Janet, Uncle Wink, and Uncle Bill. We smile picturing their joyful reunion — greeting him with warm hugs, holding onto him just a little longer — and Mark, after taking it all in, probably stepping back and asking, “So… what’s for lunch?”

He is survived by his loving parents, Harry Jr. and Judy Beyer; his sister, Kelley and brother-in-law Aaron Hull; his niece, Lauren Hull and nephew, Aidan Hull; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be held at the home of Kelley and Aaron Hull on April 11, 2026. Additional details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s name to the Special Olympics.