Mark Dwight Swepston

Mark Dwight Swepston, 72, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2026, while doing what he loved - running. Born on May 22, 1954, in Columbus, Mark lived a remarkable life defined by energy, determination, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and the pursuits he loved.

Mark was the third-generation President and CEO of Atlas Butler, the company founded by his grandfather in 1921. A gifted businessman and natural entrepreneur, Mark had an extraordinary instinct for what would work. Whether in business, investments, or life, he seemed to simply know.

He had a rare ability to connect with people, recognize opportunities and move confidently toward the next challenge. Beginning when he was young, he made it a personal goal to meet ten new people every week. He was genuinely interested in others and could strike up a conversation with almost anyone, regardless of their background or walk of life. His optimism and confidence in others helped shape the people around him. He was always learning, always building, always improving, and, most of all, always moving ahead. And that’s how things come along.

A lifelong athlete, Mark wrestled at The Ohio State University and remained a devoted supporter of Ohio State wrestling. He completed multiple full Ironman triathlons and completed the Seven Continent Marathon Challenge in two years. Injuries and setbacks, including deafness and cancer, never kept him away for long. There was always another goal ahead, both personally and professionally.

Mark’s commitment to his community was just as strong. At the time of his passing, he served on the boards of The Salvation Army and Cancer Support Community and was a long-time member of Kiwanis Club of Columbus. Throughout his lifetime, he also served numerous other organizations, giving his time, energy, and leadership to causes that mattered deeply to him. He believed in supporting others and making his community stronger, and he did so generously throughout his life.

Yet for all of Mark’s professional accomplishments, athletic achievements, and community service, his greatest joy was his family.

Mark and his wife, Julie, celebrated 41 years of marriage this year. Their life together was built around a loving, enduring partnership and simply being together.

Mark was a devoted father to his son, Michael, and daughter, Susan, and a loving father-in-law to Erin and Dan. He was endlessly supportive of his children while always encouraging them to pursue the next goal and believe they could do more.

Mark’s grandchildren adored their “Spot.” He was the grandfather who would give them treats, play sports, build tents with them, and always make them laugh - including through the occasional attempt to balance food on his face and work it into his mouth. Mark treasured those moments and the joy his grandchildren brought to his life.

Mark often spoke about living to 120, and everyone who knew him believed he might actually make it. His sudden passing is difficult to comprehend, yet there is something fitting about knowing that he was doing what he loved when his life unexpectedly came to an end.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Swepston and Ruth Lee Swepston and also his dogs, Corey, Molly, Maggie, Holly, and Susan's dog Ellie. He is survived by his wife, Julie and their dog Penny; his son, Michael, his wife, Erin, their children, Izzy and Mack and their dogs Sadie and Lando; and his daughter, Susan Haugen, her husband, Dan, their children, Blake and Luke, and their dogs Rocky and Annie.

In accordance with Mark’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Burial will be private. Instead, please do something kind for someone else, reach out to a loved one, support someone in need, or give back to the community—just as Mark did throughout his life. Donations may also be made in his memory to The Salvation Army, Cancer Support Community, Columbus Kiwanis Foundation, LifeTown Columbus, or other organizations that were meaningful to him. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.