Rev. W. F. MARK

MARK, MCCLEARY

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 12/16/2008 at 05:54:13

OBITUARY - REV. W. F. MARK

Many will be made sad on hearing of the death of Rev. W. F. MARK, an aged and revered minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the home of his son-in-law, W. G. McCLEARY, at Kellerton on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1902, age 70 years, 3 months and 28 days. He had been known as Father MARK for many years.

He grew up in the ways and habits of the religious life and these had become natural and habitual with him. He was mild and gentle in his ways and manners and consistent in his spirit and conduct. This was so much the case that even an unbelieving and scornful world honored and respected him.

Mr. MARK was born in Ross County Ohio and had served in the ministry for full sixty years. He had done a great deal of pioneer work, and lived that kind of service. He had literally “spent and been spent” in the service of his Master. He came to Iowa and at once associated himself with the Des Moines Conference. He served the churches of Redding and Kellerton in this county. For a time he made his home in Mt. Ayr, but lately in Kellerton. His wife and companion in labors, died last May. They had observed their golden wedding anniversary. They had nine children; eight of them are now living and seven of them were able to be present at the last sickness.

The funeral took place on Tuesday, and was conducted by Rev. W. B. THOMPSON and Rev. O. E. WOOD. “Father MARK” was a lovely character, a ripe Christian, and came to his grave in a good old age, as a shock of corn coming into season.