In 1943, Mark was drafted the same day as his brother Art into the Army during World War II. Mark served for three and a half years in World War II. He served with Art for two years in Trinidad, where he worked in the 869th Postal Unit, and Art in the finance office. After returning home from his military service, he built his current home with lumber handpicked by his dad who worked at Jex Lumber, and worked for the Welfare Office. Later, he took a job with the Postal Service; he worked there as the Superintendent of Operations and as the Assistant Post Master until he retired in 1981. He also managed rental properties.

Mark served in multiple callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a bishopric member for over 16 years, as either a Bishop or as a counselor.

He also served in the stake presidency with his friend Don Robertson, and later as a counselor in the bishopric with Don Robertson again. He and Erma served five years in the Provo Temple

He found great joy in serving the Lord.

Mark decided he wanted to learn to play the organ when he was in his 80’s after someone at the Utah County Fair talked him into purchasing an organ. His family thought he had “gotten taken” by the salesman, but they were wrong! Purchasing that organ was one of the best things Mark ever did. He often played for family and friends who stopped by to visit. The organ brought him great happiness and kept his mind active.

Inspired by a talk given by President Spencer W. Kimball in 1979, he started faithfully writing in a journal. He loved documenting his life, and was working on his thirteenth journal. He would print these and give them to his children and grandchildren. We are grateful his words of wisdom will live on through his journals.

Mark was always whistling, had a spring in his step, and a twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed walking the streets in his neighborhood, eating ice cream and twinkies with family, and drinking 7-UP. He loved to go to the farm, and created priceless memories there with his son Kent and his grandchildren. He recently said that there was something therapeutic about sitting and watching the cows eat. He also enjoyed riding around Spanish Fork with his sons during his final years to see how much it had grown. He told everyone he met his age. He would say, “Do you know how old I am?” Mark’s cheerful demeanor spread positivity everywhere he went.

Mark received many honors in his life and was a beloved member of his community. At his 50th class reunion, he was given an award for being “The Man Who Never Grew Old.” He received thousands of letters when he turned 101 years old, and received the Pioneer Spirit Award for Spanish Fork City in 2017. The American Legion made him an Honorary Post Adjutant and recently awarded him a quilt of valor for his service. A few years ago, he had the honor of going with his grandson, Senator Mike McKell, to the legislature and said the opening prayer on the House floor. Last year he participated with his son Allen on the Honor Flight to celebrate his 103rd birthday.

While Mark had many things that brought him happiness in life, his greatest satisfaction came from the family that he and Erma raised. He loved his family fiercely and was very proud of each member of his posterity. He loved talking to them and always had his phone near so he didn’t miss any calls. When asked once about what he had contributed to society he said, “Your family is the most important contribution you can make for your country and for your community. If they learn to work and become good people, you have contributed more than anything else you can do.”

He is survived by his sons Kent (Barbara) McKell, and Allen (Wendy) McKell, his 12 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his daughter Marilyn, his siblings, his parents, and his entire graduating class. He is one of the last of the “greatest generation” and we all feel honored to have been able to witness his life and his legacy. Mark spoke at over 32 funerals and now it is time for us to celebrate the exemplary life he lived. Let us follow in his footsteps and “walk a little taller and be a little kinder.” Mark, your influence and love will never be forgotten. “I’ll see ya when I see ya.”

The family would like to thank Brandi McKell for caring for Grandpa during his final years. She was a bright spot in his life and we are all grateful for her and the love and tender care she has shown him during these last years. We would also like to thank the members of the Spanish Fork First Ward for their kindness to Mark during his life. He loved where he lived, he loved his home, and he loved the community of Spanish Fork. He was a Spanish Fork “celebrity” and could tell you the street names and addresses for most of the “old timers” who had lived there. He was a walking history book and he will be missed.

Visitation will be on May 13, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the LDS First Ward church building, 310 East Center Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will also be held at the First Ward building on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:45-10:45 AM. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, UT. Served by Walker Mortuary Spanish Fork.