August 18, 1964 ~ March 29, 2019
Col Mark A Smith USMCR (Ret), 54 of Indianapolis, passed away Friday, March 29, 2019 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. Born August 18, 1964, Mark was the son of late Arthur L. and Lee (Cuculo) Smith.
Mark was a graduate of Perry Meridian High School and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from I.U.P.U.I. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 32 years; during his long, distinguished military career, Mark was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with Valor along with many others. Mark continued to serve his community as a Master Trooper for the Indiana State Police for 24 years; he retired in 2014.
A devout Catholic, Mark was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and was currently studying to become an Oblate at St. Meinrad Archabbey. He was also the founder of the Col Mark A Smith Cancer Patient Foundation.
Survivors include his former spouse, mother of his two daughters, and best friend, Sheila A. Smith of Indianapolis; two daughters, Nichole M. (Corey) Slick of Stow, Ohio and Brittani A. Smith of Indianapolis; his five siblings, Stephanie M. Smith of Indianapolis, Carol L. (Doug) Carter, Elaine M. Smith, and Lesley A. Smith all of Cicero, Indiana and A.L. (Terri) Smith of Indianapolis; and his four nieces, Megan (Chris) DeFalco, Ali Smith, Emma (Fiance, Clay) Smith, and LeeAnn Carter.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Mark Smith from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis; recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to The Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Fund; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to the Smith family.
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My deepest condolences to the family. Mark was an amazing man, father and soldier. His smile brightened any room he walked into. He will be greatly missed. ߇ڰ߇آܝ ߒ
Semper Fi, Sir. You were a competent, effective, and passionate leader of Marines. Your love and admiration for the men you commanded was only outweighed by your commitment to persevering with the mission no matter how difficult. You saw your actions, rightfully so, as being linked to a generational relay – where American interests and values are continually protected by those faithful few are willing to go forward and get dirty with the people spreading the dirt no matter what corner of the globe they reside. God Speed, Colonel Smith.
I did not know Mark personally but I did witness what love truly is. He attended many basketball and football games to watch Brittany cheer! He always had a huge proud smile.
Your father will never be FORGOTTEN by me. Semper Fi.
I came to know this great man through spending 5 weeks battling through Chemo and Radiation treatment together. We received our diagnoses, in side-by-side rooms, at the same time in Dr Mary Lou’s office. I developed a deep sense of admiration and respect for him, right away. He was, in short, A MAN. The bear hug he gave me on the last day of radiation, with tears in his eyes, remains with me to this day. It was my honor to have fought alongside him, for 5 weeks.
I served with Mark at Camp Pendleton when we were both assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He was a great Marine, very hardworking, energetic, positive and passionate about doing the best job possible for our Marines, Sailors, and families. He set the bar high and will be missed… semper fidelis brother–Mike Frazier
I met mark in 1993 when I was assigned to Indiana state police post #52, he let me make mistakes and we would meat for a meal break and discuss. He never told me how to proceed with my encounters but after our conversations about an issue, I was able to decipher his Marine hints and strived to do better. Mark is a 25 year friend and I have been blessed to have known him and his family. I sent him a text after I visited him in the hospital. I even went as far as to boldly hug him and whisper in his ear my feelings. I would blindly follow Mark to the gates of hell! He only had to ask. I am so grateful to have been part of his life and I know mark is pain free and with his maker.
Mark was a force of nature. A Marines, Marine; a friend to those that he served with and a warrior willing to take the fight where it was needed. He had no quit button, no off switch and was filled with dedication and love of G-d, family, country and Corps. He was “Mayham” and he will be with us always.
I feel a little more lost in this world knowing that you are gone Sir. But I take joy in knowing you are in communion with our Creator. See you on post.
He was my first CO, and he set the bar high for what I would hold as my standard for a great officer. One that inspires you, one that expects the very best out of you and gives you the best he has. You had a huge impact on so many lives. Semper Fi, SIR
Mark Smith left an impression that has guided me for almost 30 years. The best leader a Marine could ever hope for and an inspiration to those around him to better themselves. Gid’s Speed Marine. Simper Fi.
Colonel Smith was the first CO I’ve ever seen respect the opinion of a POG. He was/is a great man and an admirable Marine. You will be missed sir. Semper Fi. See you at the gates.
Many prayers to the family.
I was honored to serve with Mark for 2 years in Indy, and I am blessed to have gained his friendship. This is Mark promoting me to my terminal rank. In retrospect, I think getting promoted again would have been a disappointment.
I will never forget how Col. Smith kept in touch with me when my son was in Iraq the first time. And it wasn’t just me. I KNEW Kevin was with a great leader! He was SO loved and respected by his men and their families. See you in Heaven Col. Smith! Praying for your family.
Col. Smith was what every Marine wanted to be. He had every feature and trait we wanted to carry. It was my goal to become the quality of Marine that he was. He set the bar, we chose to chase it! The speeches this man gave were astronomical in every leadership manor and I will never forget the integrity this man instilled in me during the short time I served under him! Semper Fi sir!
I still remember that day back in 2004 when 2/24 came to Yusufiyah (Triangle of Death) where I was born and raised. The leadership of Colonel Mark Smith to his unit saved tens of thousands of lives over there. Our town was totally controlled by insurgents and all the good people were almost with no hope to be saved. Then, on that morning, we see the marines drove to our town. We thought it’s just a patrol and they won’t stay to help us get those insurgents out. Fortunately it wasn’t the case. The 2/24 established their FOB, and the fight started. The 2/24 troops were call mad ghosts by the insurgents as a result to unpredictable heroism they have seen. Within few weeks we saw significant improvements, and later our twon was able to even participate in voting and practice the first democracy. Thank you to all 2/24 marines, and thank Colonel Smith for your service. RIP and Semper Fi. Malik
Colonel Mark A. Smith led me as my Company Commander, commissioned me a 2ndLt, and never stopped inspiring me to be a better Marine, Marine Officer, and person. I am where I am today because of his leadership early in my Marine Corps life. His leadership and personality was larger than life and lives on in the many Warriors he shaped. May God Bless you Sir and the entire Smith family. Semper Fi, Colonel Kirk Mullins
We are so sorry of the loss of Mark. He and his family will be in our prayers. With sympathy, Jo Ann and Dick Cady
Col Mark Smith was the best CO I ever had. A true hero and an outstanding mentor. I’ll never forget when he saluted us after an awesome speech before we got deployed to Iraq. Thank you sir for everything you will be missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again. Semper Fi Corporal Hernandez
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
One thing i will never forget is The Ironman Shot. We were training at Fort Atterbury in Indiana, and if I remember correctly, were done and were leaving the next day. A large group of Marines had met up in the bar on base. We were just standing around throwing back some beer when someone, I forget who told me the CO wants me to come over to his table. Being a LCpl at the time i was like “oh shit, now what!” So i walked over to the table where LtCol Smith and the rest of the Battalion brass were sitting. About 8-10 officers in all, i was pretty intimidated. He looked at me and asked if ive ever had an Ironman shot, no even knowing what it was, i said no. He then told me its when you snort a line of salt, take a shot of tequila, then squirt the lemon in your eye. I remember thinking “what the f@$k?” Being a young LCpl i sure as hell wasn’t going to deny a shot from the Battalion Comander. To this day i dont know if he was testing me or what, but i did it. More importantly, so did he AND the rest of the officers at the table. Thats the kind of leader he was. Days later I remember thinking to myself, that’s exactly the kind of officer i want to fight for!!! Semper Fi Sir!!!!
Marked served as my XO at 24th Marines in Kansa City from 2006 through 2008. Throughout our service together he epitomized what it meant to be a Marine. Tough, professional and focused on mission accomplishment, he was the lynchpin behind the Regiment’s success during that time. A great Marine, a great friend and a great father, I will truly miss him. Semper Fidelis – Colonel Brent DUNAHOE, USMC (Retired)
I had the honor of serving with Mark as platoon commanders with Kilo, 3rdBN, 24thMAR during Desert Storm. Being a junior officer, I quickly identified Mark has a mentor and role model. He taught and inspired me on how to be an Infantry Officer. Mark was “one of a kind” and will be missed. Semper Fi sir.
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
Col Smith was our acting CO for a period of time back in 2008 at 24th Regiment. I remember him leading us on humps over ice covered trails in Kansas City where the officer’s leading the March repeatedly slipped and fell on the ice to the point of it becoming comical but he would have never led anyone somewhere were he wasnt willing to go first. While this pales in comparison to war or other duties it does show that his character never faltered. He was a leader to the end and a good friend to all. You will be missed sir. Until you meet us at the pearly gates ~ Top
To the Family of Col.Mark Smith……. May a Band of Angels come down to carry your father home to be with friends…. family .. and Marines gone before …. from Tun Tavern to Tarawa to all foreign shores . Blessed be he .. Father … Friend….Patriot .. Mentor … and Simple Man….
Until we meet again on God’s Golden Shore.
' Semper Fidelis '
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I never knew this great man personally, but his story and service inspire me. I am so sorry that he is gone and not there with you any longer. God bless. Sincerely, BranWick
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
From: LCDR & Mrs John Jones, USN, Ret:
To the family of Col Mark Smith and the Mad Ghosts of Mayhem from the Heart Land… I extend my deepest condolences to everyone! I was the casualty tracker of all of Col Smith’s casualties and fallen angels in the triangle of death from the 24th MEU at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. After my PCS move up to Great Lakes Illinois, Col Smith’s leadership drew me to continue the tracking process of his most critical Marines such as SSgt Simon. I made the trip up to Madison, WI on a couple of occasions to support him and his family. SSgt Simon eventually passed and that also led to me attending 2/24’s Marine Corps Ball that year. I’m forever grateful for the great accomplishments, while wearing a big hole in my heart for the brave men we lost during that time. I will never forget! Very Respectfully/Sincerely, Semper Fidelis, LCDR John Jones, USN, Ret
Thank you for all the laughs and education. God’s speed Col. Mark.
I am absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. My family and I send our prayers. Mark was, without question, one of a kind. He was as fine a Marine as I have known or served with. To me he was a Marine brother, a hero, a mentor, a role model, and a cherished friend. We served together for several years and for quite some time we worked out together . Shortly after 9/11, he and I would meet in the gym in the very early morning hours at the Heslar Armory. This has always been a very special time that I reflect on. It was usually just the Colonel and I in the gym so, to say the least, I was privy to some of the most unique mentorship one could ever receive. Not to state the obvious, but Mark had a way with words like NO OTHER. He was Mr. Motivator Extraordinaire. He was Mr. No Apologies No excuses. Of course I heard the ‘Colonel speak’ that included his philosophical views on Marine Corps Leadership, Warfighting strategies, and how to fix this United States of America. Of course there were also times, in true Colonel Smith fashion, where right about the time I was attempting a max squat or bench press,,,,,with absolute perfect and intentional timing,,,,, he would go into some of the most herniating stand-up comedy he could muster. I’m certain many who read this will attest to his comedic genius. In all of this, and most importantly, through the years I got to know him as Mark. I am most proud to say he was a man as committed to his God as any I have ever known. A man of absolute unwavering faith. He was a hard as steel warrior and at the very same time could bring himself to complete vulnerability welling up with pride to tell yet another story about ‘his girls’. A dad more proud, I have never met. I had the pleasure of speaking with him a couple of times in the not so distant past. Despite his battles, and the physical toll, at least to me, he had not changed one bit. As anyone who knew him would expect, his resolve was, unquestionably, as strong as ever. He will forever be the perfect example of how to stare down the very worst of adversity, meet it head on, and keep on marching. I can only end by saying that I am beyond blessed to have had the honor of serving with this true warrior. His presence in my life, without question, made me a better Marine and a better man. I am VERY honored and extremely grateful to call him my friend. Sir..Thank you so very much for your friendship, leadership,and inspiration. God bless you and your family Sir. Semper Fi
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
I was heartbroken when I saw on the news this morning of the passing of Col Mark Smith. I first met Col Smith when he was a young Capt serving out of Indianapolis and Danville, IL with the 24th as a corpsman. I knew him as Maj and then Lt Col. I retired in 2002 but kept track of him and was not surprised to see he had made Col. Mark was a Marine’s Marine. His men came first. My sincere condolences to the family in their loss. Stephen Barrett, HMC(FMF) (Ret.)
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
Lit a candle in memory of Mark A. Smith
Didnt know this person but thanks for ur service to our country freedom is not free and sorry to hear about ur lost of ur family member
Rest easy my friend. You are def one of a kind with your rocket all American al Bundy arm. It was a pleasure working with you for the last two decades. Marcus B.
RIP Sir.. Thank you for your service. For your family my sincere sympathy and prayers.
Colonel Smith…We never met..I know nothing about you and your career except that we both wore the same uniform…With that..I know everything I needed to know about you. Rest In Peace, Sir… Steve Hill MSgt, USMC (retired)
We just watched the story of Mark on the CBS Evening News. What a great soldier, always thinking of his troops. Although we live in South Dakota now, I attended I.U. as a young Air Force guy and my oldest son and family are in Fort Wayne. We share your loss and send our prayers across the miles. Hank and Joyce Whitney Custer, South Dakota
Col. Smith, I will always remember the advice that you would afford to me to make me a better Marine and Leader of Marines. Semper Fi, Sir ! I will see you at the Pearly Gates one day and we will enter together. SSgt. W.K. Owens Co. K 3Bn/24Mar
I just saw your story on WISH TV and wow… what an incredible man. He will live on through his daughters and all of you. Sending prayers to your family
My condolences to the Smith family. I just knew Mark from Perry Meridian HS. Just saw his story on the National CBS News in Las Vegas. Wow….what an accomplished life! May peace be with you all!
God’s speed to you! Prayers and condolences for the entire family.
My deepest condolences to the Smith family. Though I never met Mark personally, he had an impact on the lives of many. His love of family, friends, Marine Corps …was evident on FB posts. His posts about cancer treatment showed his determination & fighting spirit. The grace and dignity he exhibited while battling his health issues gave me encouragement as I learned to navigate the waters of my own dx. Sending thoughts and prayers.
I was Colonel Smith’s gunner. I spent a lot of time with him and he meant a lot to me and so many others. We started a fundraiser in his honor to raise money for a service dog to be trained and presented to a Wounded Marine. In the first day we raised over $2500. We made this shirt in his honor. https://leatherneckforlife.com/products/the-mayhem-t-shirt
I have known Mark since he joined the Marine Corps. Because I was the secretary that put him in the Marine Corps. I always new he was going to be special even at that early time in his life. I kept in touch with him once he was with the Indiana State Police. He never cease to amaze me. He will be greatly missed.
Oh my God, Kathie. What a way to finally locate you. I really do think Mark was the best candidate we ever put through the program. I followed his brilliant career from afar and was always proud of the young man who we sent off to Quantico. Please send me a phone number or email address. (jackiehunt@bellsouth.net) 678-215-6923
It always seems that the marine who is the best of the best and gives beyond just being ok with doing your job and really has a higher priority than there self that they always seem to be the ones who are taken to soon from us . And they always leave a little bit of themselves with each and every person that they come in contact with no matter if it is a brief hello or they are in ones life from the moment that you met them. May you Rest In Piece Sir. MARK A. SMITH SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE AND YOUR MEMORY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from knowing that during such difficult times God is close to us (Psalm 34:18).
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mark. May the family find comfort from the scripture at Revelation 21:4-“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” What a beautiful promise we have to look forward to.
Deepest condolences to the family and Mark’s beautiful daughters, whom he always spoke so lovingly of. In the very brief time I knew Mark, through a TV program we were working together about his time in Iraq, I was charmed and fascinated by his incredible dedication to service, his charismatic humor, and his overwhelming loquacity. I had never met anyone like him. And he honored me by calling me a “good American.” After that, I genuinely tried to live up to those words, and he served as a source of tremendous inspiration in my aspirations and career. I am so devastated to hear of his passing, as we would check in with one another every few years. He will not be forgotten.
Mark and I were 2ndLts together at TBS. i hesitated to go on a date with him but did. on the way to dinner we see a group of teenagers watching two young men fighting. Mark stops his truck, jumps out, and calmly stops the fight, gets back into the truck and off we went. That was all it took. Mark went to Camp Pendleton And I went overseas and we both move down on. Mark was the epitome of what it meant to be a Marine. I still heard stories about him from his Marines. I love the one about one of his junior Marines was driving in Indiana and was pulled over for speeding by an Indiana State Trooper. Both Mark and his Marine recognized each other and Mark had the Marine get out and do push ups on the side of the road instead of giving him a ticket. I could just picture both of them grinning from ear to ear. Mark was a motivator! Semper Fi Mark… Heavens’ gates are guarded by United States Marines!
Watched The Triangle of Death documentary again today and wanted to share the highest regards I hold for you and your Marines for your dangerous service to our nation in Iraq. A leader’s most telling attribute is how his Marines worked and respected him. Your leadership was of the highest caliber during the most difficult situations and the respect for you was off the charts. Your time on earth was too short but your time was all out of proportion with accomplishments. Thank you Col Mark Smith, United States Marine. Respectfully, S.E. Tillett, Col USMC (Ret)
Lt Smith was my platoon commander at Camp Pendleton camp Horno 1st MarDiv Truck company. I didn’t know him as Col Smith but I will never forget this AMAZING man! He visited me Every week at the camp Pendleton brig and never gave up on me or stopped encouraging me. Huge loss to anyone whom ever met and new this man. Condolences to his family for the loss of this man who was the epitome of a Marine.