Ronald Lee Mark

On the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, 87-year-old Ronald Mark tragically fell when trimming trees above the power lines from a tall ladder at his suburban property. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel, Mark passed away.Mark was born in Santa Ana Calif., Aug. 9,1933, to William Basil and Wyoma MarriottMark. He graduated eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse in Vernon County. Four years later he graduated from El Dorado Springs High School. He moved to California and worked in the oil fields in Ventura. He met Phyllis Peterson at a Southern Baptist Church where he worshipped. Shortly after they began dating, the Army called and required he report to basic training for service in Korea where he served in the Field Artillery Corps as the conflict was ending.After he returned from active duty, Mark and Phyllis married in 1955 and moved to Missouri. He worked as postmaster at Montevallo, and also on the family farm. They later moved to the Springfield area where Ron began tax preparation in 1963, the year they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey William. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter, Anita Marie. Mark was a member of Second Baptist Church where he served on the finance teamand as a weekly greeter. Mark also had a passion to serve at the Republic Pregnancy Resource Center.In their spare time, Mark and his family loved to travel; visiting several foreign countries and all 50 states. Mark loved adventure and decided to celebrate his 70thbirthday by going skydiving, and did it again for his 75th birthday. Mark is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis, son Jeff (Joy), daughter Anita, five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers Gene (Roberta) Mark and Paul (Kay) Mark; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Troy and Arlene Lawson, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Marcellene. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Republic Pregnancy Care Center.