Mark entered into his eternal rest in the arms of His Savior and Lord on June 26, 2017, at peace at last.
Mark Ament Smith IV was born in Belleville, Illinois on August 25, 1974 to Mark Ament Smith III and Carol Smith (Schmitt). The family lived in Belleville, Collinsville and O’Fallon, Illinois before moving to Sinclair, Wyoming when Mark was 3. He grew up hunting, fishing and camping in the state he dearly loved. He met the love of his life Mary Bears and they married in 2007, welcoming their only child Chance Alfred born in 2010.
Surviving are his loving wife Mary, son Chance, his sister Julie Anne Smith and nephew Lincoln Remington DiPiano and his mother Carol. Mark was also survived by his sweet mother-in-law, Patsy Bears, his game playing pal, special loved ones Lindsay (Eckes) Woznick and Kelly Eckes. Mark had many dear cousins, aunts, uncles and friends from childhood and beyond.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father Mark Ament Smith III, and his father-in-law Alfred Bears, his grandparents Mark A. and Margaret Gilmore Smith, Robert J. and Rose Kulage Schmitt.
Mark served with distinction in his US Army career for nearly 10 years as an Airborne Combat Medic, serving with the 82nd and 173rd Airborne Divisions and the 4thInfantry Division. His dear friends Joe Lembke and Dave Helfrich from the 82nd will treasure his memory. Mark was a good soldier, with over 50 parachute jumps.
Army Awards, Ribbons and Badges
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award) National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge (British), Parachutist Badge (Hungarian).
Services: A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at The Connect Church, 1779 Springdale Blvd., Fenton, Missouri, at 11:00 am. Pastor Dwight Blankenship of Parkway Baptist Church will officiate. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Lembke, Dave Helfrich, Jonathan Saxby, Jason Schutterle, JJ Spencer and Brian McCulloch. Following the ceremony, the Patriot Guard will escort the procession to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. After the inurnment of Mark’s ashes in the Columbarium, a light meal will be provided for family and friends at the home of his cousin Michael Schmitt and his wife Carrie, 1923 Parkton Way, Barnhart, Missouri.
The family would like to express their eternal gratitude to all that have been by our side during this time.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Please know you all are in my prayers. And, I will forever remember Markie as a loving nephew. I will cherish my memories of him taking me places in Wyoming.
Tink Dayon June 29, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Mary, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your grief is beyond measure, I know. You and your son are in my prayers. Love Tink
JoAnn Terry Chavezon June 29, 2017 at 2:23 pm
To Mark’s precious family, I remember Mark as a little boy and as he grew up. He was always fun to be around and just the nicest person ever!! He was a good person and a caring one and one that everyone liked to be around. God Bless Each and Every Member of His Family.
Neoma Maeson June 29, 2017 at 4:56 pm
I will never forget Mark and our visits at Su Casa. I was so proud of him when he came home on leave and stopped by to visit again. He looked so handsome in his uniform. My condolences Carol, from one broken mother to another. RIP Mark!
Deborah Lee Rathgeberon June 29, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Deepest sympathy to Carol and family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Always in your memories always in your heart forever. Loves and Hugs Deborah
Sylvia Downeson June 29, 2017 at 6:28 pm
Words can’t describe what I am feeling for you all. I have such sweet, funny memories of Markie. With love and prayers. Sylvia
Brigitte Harris (hilkemeyer)on June 29, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Carol, your cousin Danny is thinking of you today. He love his cousins. He loved Aunt Rose and the family getting together. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol Funderburk Rigdonon June 29, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Praying for God’s strength & guidance through this sad journey, God bless all the family.
Toni Nickelsonon June 29, 2017 at 10:32 pm
So sorry for your lose. Your family are in my prayers.
Cheryl Jordanon June 30, 2017 at 12:01 am
I want to say that I am so sick at heart for Marks passing and I will miss his presence even though I haven’t seen him for some time it hurts knowing he is gone. He was a friend. I send prayers for all of his family and seek God for help. Love Cheryl and family
Kathy Hiatton June 30, 2017 at 10:37 am
So sorry for this terrible loss for the family & the world. He will be greatly missed.
stephanie fitzgeraldon June 30, 2017 at 5:34 pm
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear and Grace my fears relieved and Grace that brings me safely home. Rejoicing with you Mark for the peace at journeys end. Aunt Stephanie
Carrie Chizekon June 30, 2017 at 11:45 pm
Thinking of you all. May God’s love and the love of family and friends comfort you at this time. You will be in my prayers everyday and night.
Richard and Jennifer Schanckon July 1, 2017 at 7:14 am
How very very sad Mark was such a great person he we will be missed by so many . Are thoughts are with you Mary your son and all the family
John and Cindy Biehlon July 1, 2017 at 10:34 am
Carol, Julie and Mark’s family, Cindy and I are much saddened by the news in this morning’s Daily Times. I still have memories or the first time I met Mark back in 82 or 83 when he and Jonathon came tumbling through the front door of the Saxby house. Two boys having fun. Mark was always a joy and happiness to be around. We wish you peace and comfort during these difficult times.
Jennie Helfrichon July 4, 2017 at 12:50 am
Mary, Chance, Carol, Julie, and to all of Mark’s family, May the Lord comfort you and give you peace at this time and always. Please know I’m praying for you all. Mark was a remarkable friend and I will miss him dearly.
My deepest condolences, Jennie Helfrich
Barry & Nancy Raineyon July 4, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Carol & Julie: we are praying for you and wish we were closer to you so you know we are hurting too. We are so sorry for your loss and know he is in the hands of the Lord.
Bill and Marcia Chandleron July 15, 2017 at 7:15 am
Carol and Julie, We were very sorry to read about Mark’s passing. We will be thinking of your family with our deepest sympathy.
Mark Ament Smith IV
August 25, 1974-June 26th, 2017Mark entered into his eternal rest in the arms of His Savior and Lord on June 26, 2017, at peace at last.Mark Ament Smith IV was born in Belleville, Illinois on August 25, 1974 to Mark Ament Smith III and Carol Smith (Schmitt). The family lived in Belleville, Collinsville and O’Fallon, Illinois before moving to Sinclair, Wyoming when Mark was 3. He grew up hunting, fishing and camping in the state he dearly loved. He met the love of his life Mary Bears and they married in 2007, welcoming their only child Chance Alfred born in 2010.Surviving are his loving wife Mary, son Chance, his sister Julie Anne Smith and nephew Lincoln Remington DiPiano and his mother Carol. Mark was also survived by his sweet mother-in-law, Patsy Bears, his game playing pal, special loved ones Lindsay (Eckes) Woznick and Kelly Eckes. Mark had many dear cousins, aunts, uncles and friends from childhood and beyond.He was preceded in death by his beloved father Mark Ament Smith III, and his father-in-law Alfred Bears, his grandparents Mark A. and Margaret Gilmore Smith, Robert J. and Rose Kulage Schmitt.Mark served with distinction in his US Army career for nearly 10 years as an Airborne Combat Medic, serving with the 82nd and 173rd Airborne Divisions and the 4thInfantry Division. His dear friends Joe Lembke and Dave Helfrich from the 82nd will treasure his memory. Mark was a good soldier, with over 50 parachute jumps.Army Awards, Ribbons and BadgesArmy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award) National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge (British), Parachutist Badge (Hungarian).Services: A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at The Connect Church, 1779 Springdale Blvd., Fenton, Missouri, at 11:00 am. Pastor Dwight Blankenship of Parkway Baptist Church will officiate. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Lembke, Dave Helfrich, Jonathan Saxby, Jason Schutterle, JJ Spencer and Brian McCulloch. Following the ceremony, the Patriot Guard will escort the procession to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. After the inurnment of Mark’s ashes in the Columbarium, a light meal will be provided for family and friends at the home of his cousin Michael Schmitt and his wife Carrie, 1923 Parkton Way, Barnhart, Missouri.The family would like to express their eternal gratitude to all that have been by our side during this time.Donations can be made in Honor of Mark, for his son Chance by the link www.gofundme.com/chances-future
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Please know you all are in my prayers.
And, I will forever remember Markie as a loving nephew. I will cherish my memories of him taking me places in Wyoming.
Mary, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your grief is beyond measure, I know. You and your son are in my prayers.
Love Tink
To Mark’s precious family, I remember Mark as a little boy and as he grew up. He was always fun to be around and just the nicest person ever!! He was a good person and a caring one and one that everyone liked to be around. God Bless Each and Every Member of His Family.
I will never forget Mark and our visits at Su Casa. I was so proud of him when he came home on leave and stopped by to visit again. He looked so handsome in his uniform. My condolences Carol, from one broken mother to another. RIP Mark!
Deepest sympathy to Carol and family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Always in your memories always in your heart forever. Loves and Hugs Deborah
Words can’t describe what I am feeling for you all. I have such sweet, funny memories of Markie. With love and prayers. Sylvia
Carol, your cousin Danny is thinking of you today. He love his cousins. He loved Aunt Rose and the family getting together. I am so sorry for your loss.
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Praying for God’s strength & guidance through this sad journey, God bless all the family.
So sorry for your lose. Your family are in my prayers.
I want to say that I am so sick at heart for Marks passing and I will miss his presence even though I haven’t seen him for some time it hurts knowing he is gone. He was a friend. I send prayers for all of his family and seek God for help.
Love Cheryl and family
So sorry for this terrible loss for the family & the world. He will be greatly missed.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear and Grace my fears relieved and Grace that brings me safely home. Rejoicing with you Mark for the peace at journeys end. Aunt Stephanie
Thinking of you all. May God’s love and the love of family and friends comfort you at this time. You will be in my prayers everyday and night.
How very very sad Mark was such a great person he we will be missed by so many . Are thoughts are with you Mary your son and all the family
Carol, Julie and Mark’s family, Cindy and I are much saddened by the news in this morning’s Daily Times. I still have memories or the first time I met Mark back in 82 or 83 when he and Jonathon came tumbling through the front door of the Saxby house. Two boys having fun. Mark was always a joy and happiness to be around. We wish you peace and comfort during these difficult times.
Mary, Chance, Carol, Julie, and to all of Mark’s family,
May the Lord comfort you and give you peace at this time and always. Please know I’m praying for you all. Mark was a remarkable friend and I will miss him dearly.
My deepest condolences,
Jennie Helfrich
Carol & Julie: we are praying for you and wish we were closer to you so you know we are hurting too. We are so sorry for your loss and know he is in the hands of the Lord.
Carol and Julie,
We were very sorry to read about Mark’s passing. We will be thinking of your family with our deepest sympathy.