Mr. Mark Trafton III

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Mark Trafton, Jr., his mother Harriet Trafton, and his loving wife of 44 years, Frances Hall Trafton.

Mark was born March 10, 1937 in Puerto Armuelles, Republic of Panama. He spent his younger years in La Lima, Honduras while his father worked as a scientist and manager with the United Fruit Company. Mark attended high school and graduated from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL where he was recruited to play football at Florida State University during the Tom Nugent era. Mark left FSU to enlist in the US Air Force and served as a mechanic on the B-47 Stratojet. He then returned to FSU and earned his major in math and minor in physics. Upon graduation, Mark joined the Florida Department of Insurance where he held the positions of Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Fire and Casualty; Chief Actuary; and Director of Insurance Rates Division. Mark left state government to consult and lobby for companies and entities such as the Florida Insurance Council, AFLAC, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. He was also president of both Insurance Industry Consultants, Inc, and American United Insurance Company. Mark earned the reputation as a “straight shooter” and was called upon on numerous occasions to give an honest, competent assessment on how proposed regulations and statutes would affect the insurance industry and its consumers. Mark received many awards and accolades during his career. These included Florida Insurance Council’s prestigious John L. “Rick” Ricciardelli Lifetime Achievement Award for Mark’s dedication and contributions to the insurance industry throughout his career; the Golden Pigeon Award, where his peers voted him as the lobbyist of the year; and the Wade Holland Award, an annual award presented to Mark in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement and success of the insurance community, its policyholders, and the Florida Insurance Council.

Mark, fondly known as “Boss” to his grandchildren, loved life and lived it to its fullest. He and Fran spent many hours watching and supporting their sons’ baseball games and other activities. They also graciously hosted numerous family/friend get-togethers, parties and reunions throughout the years. Mark was a very generous person who served as an outstanding role model and mentor to his sons and to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

Mark is survived by his sons, Mark Trafton, IV (Ashley), James C. Trafton (Paige), and Joshua M. Trafton (Nicole), all of Tallahassee. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Mark Trafton, V, Jack Trafton, William Trafton, Isabell Trafton, and Madison Trafton; his siblings Sue Hamer (Walter) of Sarasota, FL; Wilbur Trafton (Mary Grace) of Indian Rocks, FL; Janet Tobin of Boston, MA; and D’Anet Trafton, Atlanta, GA and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and reception in celebration of Mark’s life will be held Thursday, November 4th, 10 am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gretchen Everhart School, in memory of Mark Trafton, 2750 Mission Road, Tallahassee, FL 32304.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.