Mark Smith

Mark Steven Smith, 77 years old, passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2023 in Abilene, Texas. He is remembered by his family as a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 14th at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Mark was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Walter and Harriet Smith on October 4, 1945. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Bryan Adams High School before attending North Texas State University. He served his country for 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Vietnam Veteran, recruiter, and administrative chief before retiring in 1987 as a Gunnery Seargent. Mark received an Associate’s Degree from Cisco Junior College before moving on to become a Circulation Manager for the Abilene Reporter News, own his own insurance agency through Farmers Insurance Group and do survey work for Sheppard Survey. Still unable to understand the true meaning of retirement, he became the driving force behind M&S Lawn Service.

Mark was a member of the West Texas Harley Owners Group and enjoyed traveling throughout Texas, the neighboring states or just down the street for a cup of coffee with his fellow HOGs. Mark was very service oriented and enjoyed serving other veterans as a member of the Patriot Riders and devoting his time as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church. You could even catch him strumming his guitar with the Presby Pickers.

Mark loved being outdoors. You could find him boating, fishing, camping, riding his Harley and traveling the world. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, win or lose, causing no end of heartache. He also loved watching cat videos on Facebook, causing no end of laughter.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Dennis.

Mark is survived by his wife Sheila of 52 years; his son, Stephen of Austin; his daughter, Lauren Johnson and husband Curtis; grandchildren Skylar, Ryan and Brooklyn Johnson; his brother Laddie of Colorado; his sister Linda Cawley of Denton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and beloved cat, Lucy.

Mark was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal and brave. He was filled to the brim with knowledge gained through his life experiences and could fix or build anything. He will be missed greatly. His family knows he is riding his Harley through the pearly gates with a big smile on his face.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 pm on Thursday, June 15th at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev Chris Turner of Westminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene with military honors.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.