Mark Sumner Still

Dr. Mark Sumner Still, age 80, passed away on April 4, 2025, in Thornton, Colorado, from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Just weeks prior, he had celebrated his 80th birthday with his three cherished granddaughters. He passed away soon after, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Mark was born on February 28, 1945, in Burlingame, California, to Donald and Grace (Gould) Still. An only child, he grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula and graduated from San Mateo High School. He went on to attend the University of Arizona—his father’s alma mater—earning both a B.A. and M.A. in History. A lifelong educator with a deep love for learning, Mark began his career teaching high school history and Spanish at Heritage Christian High School in Anaheim, California. He later attended Talbot School of Theology to pursue studies in Church History, and ultimately earned his Ph.D. in History from Claremont Graduate School. He returned to his hometown to teach California and American History at the College of San Mateo, where he spent over 30 years shaping minds and encouraging curiosity.

On July 23, 1983, Mark married Judith Faye Van Heukelem, the love of his life. Together, they built a home marked by warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Mark’s family grew with the births of his son, Richard, in 1985, and his daughter, Betsy, in 1988. After retiring from professional teaching in 2014, Mark continued sharing his passion for history and Scripture by teaching Sunday School at Fellowship Bible Church and—most famously—lecturing around the dinner table whenever his children came to visit.

Mark is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; his son, Richard; his daughter, Betsy; his daughter-in-law, Kathryn; and his treasured granddaughters: Jemma, Margot, and Poppy. His love for his family, his faith, and his calling to teach were the steady through-lines of his life.

Mark’s legacy lives on in the countless students he taught, the church community he served, and the family who loved him dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 25, 2025, at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at www.cherrycreekpres.org.