Mark Smith

Mark was born to Patrick and Joan Smith on January 31, 1983 in Bakersfield, Ca. On the evening ofJuly 29, 2015 Mark's life ended in a fatal single car accident in Virginia. Mark is now serving as a soldier in our Almighty God’s Military!

Mark lived his life to the fullest. It was one adventure after another with him. That was our Marky! After attending grammar school in the Norris School District, the family moved to Beaverton, Oregon in1994. Mark attended Meadow Park Middle School and graduated in 2001 from Westview High School. He skipped graduation and flew to France, where he spent three months immersing himself in the culture. Upon return, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and served for eight years. He served two active duty tours in Iraq. After returning home from the war, he studied at Portland State University. He was a student of life and his curious mind took him all around the world as he studied abroad in many countries to expand his knowledge of the world and himself. He spoke French fluently and studied Arabicin hopes of furthering his career as a Marine Corps officer. After graduation, he was accepted into Officer Candidate School in the Marines. He was commissioned August 2013.

Mark was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of everyone who met him. He was athletic, energetic, creative, fun-loving, and above all, loved our Lord and Savior with all his heart, mind, and soul. Mark is survived by his parents Patrick Smith and Joan Franey-Smith of Fresno, CA; sister Becky Smith-Telese husband Tony, children Nick, Anthony Jr., Joshua,and Gabriel of Bakersfield, CA; brother Joseph wife Mamie Smith, children Ethan, Caden, Autumn, Rhiann, and Taryn of Clovis, CA; brother Nathan wife Breanna Smith, children Rylen, Caleb, and Jackson of Fresno, CA; sister Sarah Smith and fiancé Casey DeSormier of Monterey, CA; his grandpa, G.P. Franey; his goddaughter, Maela Hagege of France; several aunts, uncles and numerous cousins; many near and dear very close friends, including enlisted and commissioned marines.

The interment will be on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery. Please arrive 15 minutes early as cemetery services are held promptly. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following; address will begiven at the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Semper FiFund in 1st LT Mark P. Smith's name at https://semperfifund.org/donate/