Mark Norris Kesner

Mark Norris Kesner, 91, of Fort Smith, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 16, 2021. He was born on January 11th, 1930 to John W. Kesner, Sr. and Bonnie Cross Kesner in the Palestine community of south Sebastian County. Mark grew up in Fort Smith and graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1949. He joined the Navy and served aboard an LSM during the Korean War. His military service defined him and was evident throughout his life. After his active duty service in the Navy he also served in the Naval Reserves. In 1952, Mark met the love of his life, Marcelle Staton. They were married in 1953 and were together for over 67 years. Mark was a master craftsman and owner/operator of Kesner’s Quality Mill for over 40 years. He built custom cabinetry for hundreds of beautiful homes and took great pride in quality workmanship. After his retirement, Mark worked part time for many years at Fentress Funeral Home until he completely retired because of his health.

Mark was a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church and he loved his Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He served at GABC as a deacon and choir member. He also served on many church committees over the last 40 years. He loved his Grand family! He also had a beautiful, deep, bass voice and he sang in many gospel quartets over the last 70 years. He was particularly proud of singing with The Deacon Quartet for over 35 years. Mark also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a charter member of “Lunkers and Liars”. He enjoyed the many years of fun fishing outings.

As a husband, dad, and “papaw”, he was totally dedicated to his family. He loved Marcelle with all of his heart and they had a storybook marriage. He still carried her engagement picture in his wallet and showed it to anyone who would look. While he was digging the photo from his pocket, he always told that person that “God gave him the best wife”. He also never failed to tell everyone how proud he was of his sons, grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces and nephews. His life was an example of service, love, and blessings.

He was predeceased by his parents, step-mother Alta Mann Kesner; brothers, John W. Kesner, Jr. (Irene), W. C. Kesner (Polly), James Herbert Kesner (Lois), Dale Kesner (Mary), sister, Mary Belle Swearingen (Doug), and niece, Judy Swearingen Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Marcelle; sons, Steve Kesner (Brenda), David Kesner (Brenda) and Brent Kesner (Amy); grandchildren, Sarah Davis (Chris), Rebecca Kesner, Stephanie Gilbertson (Jordan), Rachel Kesner, Dalton Kesner, Dalton Hall, Dillon Hall, and Shelby Young (Zach). Great grandsons; Landon Davis, Jacob Gilbertson, and Logan Davis as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, January 22nd at Grand Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with military honors, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Elmo Matthews, Don Dodson, Earl Reed, Dick James, and Coleman Byrd. Viewing will be available from noon to 6:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to: Helping Hands Ministry at GABC, 3900 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72904.