It is with both love and deep sorrow that we remember a courageous, devout and loving man, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and Catholic Deacon, Donald Charles Marks, who passed away on October 31, 2018.
Deacon Don was graced with a large and loving family and many close friends. Left to cherish his memory are: his 9 children, Jim (Kathy), John, Denise Hartman (John), Joe, Jeff (Earla), Jerry (Brenda), Donna Harris (Scott), Jay (Kaimy), and Jack. He was extremely proud of his 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Don is also survived by his siblings, Martha Louise McNichol, Gerald Marks and John Marks. He is preceded in death by: his wife of 54 years, JoAnn Howard Marks, who passed in 2011; his parents; brother, Ron Marks, and his grandchildren, Seamus and Reece.
Deacon Don was the first of five children of Sewell and Alma Marks born in Helena, in 1936. A 5th generation Montanan, Don attended school in Townsend and at Carroll College. In 1955, he met the love of his life at a dance in Townsend. Later that year, he joined the Navy and served as the photographer on the USS Roanoke. Don and JoAnn married in 1957 and eventually settled in Townsend. Don proudly served in many areas of leadership. While serving 32 years in the 4-H program, teachers could always tell which kids were in Don’s club. Don played an active role on the Broadwater County School Board. He received an award given by Bishop of Helena for his dedication to youth programs. Don made his living farming and ranching. Almost nightly, his dinner table included many neighborhood children and friends. The heat of the oven, the welcoming smell of JoAnn’s baked goods, coffee and great conversation were a constant in Don’s home at all times of the day and night.
Being a man of deep faith, Don fulfilled his dream of becoming a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 1990. He also became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Deacon Don spent countless hours at the Holy Cross Parish in Townsend and St. Cyril and Methodius in East Helena, where his bright smile, enthusiasm and unwavering faith in God made him a beloved member of the church community. His life was a very important lesson on how a person should approach each day with love, compassion, and God in their heart. His tireless approach to life was inspiring. Always optimistic, there was never a “bad day” and he loved his ever-busy lifestyle. As their children reached adulthood, Don and JoAnn logged many miles ministering to people and bringing communion to those who were unable leave their homes.
The Marks family is forever grateful for the VA hospital doctors and staff, and the incredible care provided to Don.
The Marks family asks those who knew Deacon Don, to please extend kindness, joy and love to others in his memory.
A vigil service will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 5th at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street, East Helena. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial with military honors will be 3:00 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Road, Helena. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Deacon Donald.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Monday November 5, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Monday November 5, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 6, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Sherri Anderson says
Deacon Marks was a good, wonderful and holy man. I have my fond memories of sharing dinners with him and his beautiful wife Joanne. Now these 2 beautiful people are together in heaven. God’s speed Deacon Marks. You will be missed.
Steve Eller says
I am sorry fo your loss. I am glad I got to know Mr. Marks in the past few years. I will miss talking with him.
Ginger Baker says
I have so many wonderful memories of Don. Every day he was in my life there were great memories. He gave me the gifts of the happiest years and days of my life. There has never been a person who has embodied what it is to be a Christian and good human being more the Don. To be in his presence was the closest to being is His presence. He was the most extraordinary friend and honorary family member. I am so happy he is with his beloved wife and beyond the pain of this life. Our lives have been so much the richer for having him in them. He reminded us how amazing a person can be and provided us great inspiration and aspirations to assend to. God rest his soul and grant peace to those left behind on this Earth as he join Him in the kingdom of Heaven.
I grieve and rejoice with you. It breaks my heart I cannot be there in person. May God grant you peace in this time of change and sorrow and joy in the memories of our dear friend, spiritual leaders and family member
John Baker says
It’s with a heavy heart I remember my best friend Deacon Marks. Yet I also feel my heart is larger for his time in it. Don and I became instant friends, and to me also a father, mentor, a bright spot in my day, and a man I will always cherish the memory of. Quick with a joke, a laugh, or sage advice, he touched my life in ways I didn’t fully understand until now. I will miss him every day, but as he would have wanted I will also celebrate his memory and laugh at little things I know he would find amusing. I will miss you, Don…and hope we find each other again.
Bill Waldron says
I drove into Helena two weeks ago to visit Don. He was our neighbor near Confederate Gulch. We had a very good visit. Don was ready to leave this life to join other loved ones who passed before into heaven … a good man who will be missed.
Michelle Christianson says
So very sorry Jerry for the loss of your Dad, he was so welcoming and I was very glad to have met him. God bless and prayers for your family.
Julie K. Strong-Bethke says
I am so sorry to hear about Don’s death. He was a amazing man. I met him when we were both going thru the hospice grief group after losing our spouses. We continued our group even after it ended with hospice. I will treasure his memory always as he always had a smile on his face and always was so kind. Spread your wings wide Don. You are now with your love.
Gail McKinnon says
All of the above wonderful statements about Don are true. Even in the face of extreme poor health, he could find joy & the Grace of God in all of life. What a treasure to get to meet this man & share friendship, food & humor. However, we also shared pain but with our Hospice family, we coped together to deal with our loss. Don was such a brilliant man, knowing a lot of everything! He worked hard & taught all of us that although Life doesn’t come easy, it does go on & the Lord will take care of us. We love & miss you dearly. I hope to live my life as you have, always finding the joy. Thank you Lord for bringing Don into our lives, it has been a true blessing. Our love & our best, Gail & Greg
Melanie Ruby says
We got to know Don when he moved in next door 6 years ago, in order to be closer to his sons. We first met him when he came to our housewarming in 2010 with grandson Jake. What a great guy! Always in a good humor, loved to visit and find out what was happening with you, quick with a joke. We will really miss having him as a next-door neighbor. And it was easy to see that he was central to his family, kept them all close, and let them always know how much he cared for them. RIP, Don, now you can be with your dear wife again.