Mark Anthony Santorii

Mark Anthony Santorii was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Mark always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Mark was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Mark was born on April 16, 1968 at St Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas. His parents were LaVelle Glass and Robert Biarnesen. Mark was raised in Iola, Texas. Always able to express himself well, Mark possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Mark was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Mark was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Mark was raised with four siblings. He had a twin sister Kelly, two older brothers Charles and Scotty and older sister Belinda. Mark had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Mark showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Mark enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football. He was in FFA. In his spare time he liked to watch the Rodeo.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Mark was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Iola High School in 1986. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school were Agriculture Mechanics and FFA. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Burden.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Mark. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his degree in Heavy Equipment Operator from Texas A and M.

      Friends and acquaintances found Mark an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Mark was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jim Bob McKown, Wes Stevens, Pat O'Bannon, Brian Chestnut.

On August 20, 1986 Mark married Kathenia Harmon at Roans Prairie Baptist Church in Roans Prairie, Texas. Their marriage ended but they remained good friends.

      On January 23, 1993 Mark exchanged wedding vows with Tammy at the Locust Grove, Georgia of Locust Grove, Georgia. Mark was attentive to Tammy's feelings, and he charmed Tammy and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Mark was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Mark identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Mark was blessed with two children, one son Dillon Santorii and one daughter Susan Santorii. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Mia and Eli.

      Mark was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Mark’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Mark was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Mark could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Truck Driver. He was employed for the U.S. Navy for 8 years and a truck driver for 18 years.

      Mark was a Navy Veteran. Mark was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in 3 Atlantic Cruises, he was stationed in Virginia aboard the USS JFK. Mark saw action for Desert Storm and Persian Gulf Wars. He achieved the rank of Third Class Aviation Boatswains Mate Catapults and Arresting Gear. He received several awards including a Kuwait Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Mark enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were Rodeo, collecting guns and coaching his daughter's softball team.

      Because he liked to take risks, Mark was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Mark played football. Recreational sports included softball coach. Mark was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football both NFL and College.

      Mark was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Mark worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In high school, Mark was a member of the FFA. Throughout his later years, Mark was an active member of the Mason's.

      Mark held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of Worthville Baptist Church.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Mark truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included a cruise to the Bahamas.

      Mark was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Mark’s favorite was Buddy the buckskin horse. They were best friends for 4 years. His family was rounded out by his 3 cats Missy, Paisley and Dixie.

      Mark passed away on April 26, 2012 in Arizona in a Motor Vehicle Accident. He is survived by wife Tammy, daughter Susan, son Dillon, two grandchildren Mia and Eli, 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and Robert Biarnesen. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary.

      Mark was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Mark had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Mark Anthony Santorii.