Mark Anthony Eads

Born and raised in Fresno, Mark was the son of a well-known local RV dealership owner and a respected hospital administrator. From an early age, he was taught the value of hard work, kindness, and staying true to his beliefs—values he later passed on to his children alongside the love of his life, Robyn Eads. Mark and Robyn’s story began 36 years ago at Fresno City College, where they first met and started a journey built on love, adventure, and unwavering support for one another.

At the age of 39, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a first responder, graduating from the Fresno Fire Academy and beginning his service as a volunteer firefighter with Fresno Fire before being hired by Cal Fire at age 40. A year later, he joined the Kings County Fire Department, where he devoted 21 years of service, earning the rank of Fire Captain in 2021. His dedication to his community, along with his involvement in critical strike team deployments—including wildland fire attacks—made him a respected leader. His final call came just six days before what would have been his 21st anniversary with the department, marking the bittersweet end of a dedicated career he had planned to conclude with retirement this summer.

Beyond his service, Mark had a deep passion for adventure and camaraderie. As the newly installed President of the Cumorah Riders, he and Robyn cherished their time equine camping and organizing rides across California. Whether playing his Taylor guitar by the fire, boating and camping at Bass Lake, or bringing family and friends together with his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, Mark had a way of making every moment special. Almost everyone who met Mark likely heard him say, with a confident smile, “I can fix it,” always ready to lend a hand with whatever needed repairing.

A devout Catholic and an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fresno, Mark was also involved in the TEAMS movement within the church and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He led with both faith and mischief—never too shy to show his playful side and always ready to be the life of the party. His presence filled every room, and his stories left a lasting mark on those fortunate enough to hear them.

He is survived by his wife, Robyn Eads, and two children, Ryan Eads and Lauren Eads Primero, along with their spouses, Gabrielle Barnard Eads and Hollie Eads Primero, respectively. He was very much looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild this spring. Mark leaves his sister, Katrina Eads Haeger, his stepmom, Christa Eads, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike Eads and Rosemary Leeder, his brother Greg Eads and his stepdad Gerald Leeder.

A visitation for Mark will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730 followed immediately by a Committal Service at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

There will be a reception immediately following the Committal Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the California Fire Foundation’s Benevolent Fund, which supports firefighters displaced, injured or impacted by fire in the line of duty, at www.cafirefoundation.org

Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but Mark's memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing in his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Eads family.