Saltillo
Funeral Home
Pegues Funeral Home
Visitation
5-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at W.E. Pegues, Saltillo
Service
Celebration of his life, 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec 15th, at the Saltillo Chapel
Obituary
Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on Dec 13, 2021, and moved on to his heavenly home. SFC(Ret) William Howard Marks , age 72, a retired member of the MS Army National Guard who had served within the 185th Aviation Brigade and worked fulltime at the Tupelo AASF, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, this country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Obituary, visitation and service details:
William Howard Marks passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Sanctuary Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 72 years old. A Lee County native and longtime resident, Howard was born March 6, 1949 to William Henderson Marks and Lottie Faye King Marks. He was a career military man, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army. Howard was an aviation mechanic and pilot, serving in both Vietnam and the Gulf Wars. After his retirement from the military service, he enjoyed woodworking, building many family heirlooms. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandson, Connor, who saw him as his hero and best friend. Howard was an active member of Faith Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, JoAnn Marks; his daughter, Michelle Marks; and grandson Connor Shidler, all of Saltillo; two sisters, Martha Maloney of Jacksonville, Florida and Brenda Marks of Saltillo; and a host of nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Johnnie Davis; nephew, Craig Buffenbarger; and a niece, Lori Maloney.
Visitation for Howard will be 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at W.E. Pegues, Saltillo. A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Saltillo Chapel with Dr. Phil Ellis and Bro. James Marks officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Saltillo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Peach, David Mallette, George Blaylock, Rodney Monaghan, George DeVaughan, and Ray Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Faith Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.