Mark Tracy Boatwright

Mark Tracy Boatwright, 81, died Jan 8, 2024, at his home in Indianapolis. Tracy was born on July 7, 1942, in Marion, Indiana to his parents, Marcus and Mildred (Tedder) Boatwright who precede him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Michael T. Boatwright and sister-in law, Donna Boatwright. He was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1960, is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a retired Marion firefighter, formerly served as a Marion City Council member, Indiana State Representative, and Indiana Fire Marshal, and was the co-founder of the Hoosier Burn Camp.

A devoted husband and father, Tracy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia Ann (Huffman) Boatwright; their 3 children, Blake and Carrie Boatwright, Ericka and Andy Pickell, and Betsy Boatwright and Brian Heath; 4 grandchildren, Abigael, Eleanor, and Gus Pickell, and Harlow Heath; a brother, Terry Boatwright; and a sister, Marilyn Edwards.

Tracy served with the U.S. Army Military Police with the 9th Infantry Division from 1966 to 1968 in Vietnam, earning the Army Commendation Medal.

He joined the Marion Fire Department in 1973 and served there for 20 years, retiring as Battalion Chief. He earned the Master Firefighter certification in instruction. He also served as President of Local 676, the Marion firefighters union, and he led firefighters in a strike for better wages, an effort that garnered national attention and helped raise awareness for salaries of firefighters across the country. He saved many lives during his two decades as a local firefighter.

In 1984, Tracy added a new role to his life of public service. He was elected to the Marion City Council, At-Large. He served as a council member for three years, and his leadership there propelled him to the Indiana Legislature, where he served as Representative of District 31 from 1987 to 1992.

During his time in the Indiana General Assembly, he helped bring the Mississinewa Riverwalk fitness and recreational trail to Marion. He chaired and co-chaired various committees in the Legislature, including Roads and Transportation, and Cities and Towns. As a combat veteran, he also was House sponsor and Chairman of the Commission of Military and Veterans Affairs. Tracy also earned praise for his life saving efforts when one of his fellow legislators had a heart attack on the floor of the House.

During the 1993 session of the Indiana General Assembly, Tracy served on the staff of Gov. Evan Bayh as a liaison to the House of Representatives and was subsequently appointed State Fire Marshal. During his time in that role, he was a member of the National Association of State Fire Marshals, serving as Secretary and Treasurer; the Indiana Arson and Crime Association; the International Fire Code Institute; the International Fire Protection Association, and the International Conference of Building Officials.

In 1997 he co-founded the Hoosier Burn Camp for children traumatized by fires.

After serving for 11 years as the Indiana State Fire Marshal under three governors, Governor Evan Bayh and Governor Frank O'Bannon and Governor Joe Kernan, Tracy joined Third House Advocacy Group, an Indianapolis-based governmental affairs firm. He was also presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest distinction awarded by the governor of Indiana. In 2020, he was inducted to the Marion High School Hall of Distinction.

Tracy has also been a strong supporter of many community organizations, from veterans groups, to homeless assistance and animal rights causes, the United Way and United Christmas Service, and the March of Dimes Fill the Boot Campaign. He has served on boards for many organizations, including the Grant County Economic Growth Council, the United Way, the Urban League, the Boys and Girls Club, and the American Heart Association of Grant County, for which he served as Chairman. He enjoyed golfing, the Cubs, and fishing with his grandchildren. Helping others in any way he could was his number one passion throughout his life, and he made that evident through his actions.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to Hoosier Burn Camp, https://www.hoosierburn camp.org/ or PO BOX 698, Anderson, Indiana 46015.

Services will be held at the Garden House at Matter Park in Marion, Indiana, on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. Family visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, Memorial Service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.