Mark William Acton

Mark William Acton was born on March 25th, 1963 to Connie S. (Sprouls) and William W. Acton at LakeView Memorial Hospital in Danville, Illinois. Mark passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Mark is survived by his wife of 24 years Laura, his sons Steven, Andrew, Zachary; and his granddaughter Kendall. Mark is also survived by his mother Connie, his brother Matthew (Rebecca) and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A resident of Mesa, Arizona, Mark moved to Mesa when he was eleven years old. Mark spent most of his elementary school years growing up in Danville and Springfield, Illinois. A graduate of the Class of 1981 at Mesa High School (Mesa, Arizona), Mark continued his education with technical training in automotive mechanics at the Phoenix Institute of Technology. He later expanded upon his mechanical knowledge and skills by serving in the U.S. Navy in 1982 as an Engineman aboard an LCU (Landing Craft, Utility) with the Naval Amphibious Unit based out of Little Creek, Virginia. Mark left active duty in 1986 and was discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1988.

Mark’s professional life extended to being a Physical Therapy Assistant. Mark left his career in mechanics at the GM Proving Grounds to return to school, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Physical Therapy. Inspired from his own rehabilitative experience after rotator cuff surgery on a shoulder, Mark found his outgoing personality and biomechanical skills an asset to his work with the physical rehabilitation of seniors at Springdale Village.

While in high school, he was active in the local Masonic Chapter of DeMolay. Mark met his wife Laura (Ferguson) at a DeMolay/Jobs Daughters function in 1980 and they became high-school sweethearts. They were married on April 17, 1987. His three sons, Steven (27), Andrew (23) and Zachary (13) are the true success stories of his life. He took great pride in looking at each of his young men and recognizing the individuals that they have become. Mark helped each son to realize the potential they had in life and tirelessly supported of each in their endeavors. Mark enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Kendall.

Mark’s heart and home was large enough to always have room for more – and this extended particularly to his dogs. Mark’s “mutts” – as he would call them – were very important to him. Mark was very excited to finally get a boxer/great dane puppy in 2010. He selected Brutus from a litter of pups and raised him from five weeks old. His belief and support of animal rescue included the addition of Spike and Ted for each of his sons still at home. The loss of his 19 year old border collie “Skippy” in February of this year left a unfilled place in his heart. The patience he demonstrated with each animal in training them was astounding – especially with Brutus who is known for chewing anything within his reach and was nick named "rap-sheet" by Mark because of all the things he has chewed.

The loves and passions in his life were many, but his family was his main focus. When his father, William Whitley Acton passed away in 2001, Mark was able to fill many of the emotional gaps that were left in the lives of Connie and Matthew. When either needed something or someone to talk to – to simply hear a familiar voice or some of his father’s sense of humor, Mark was available twenty-four hours a day. No questions. No complaints. We knew that he loved us and cared. The same care and compassion with which he treated his patients began with his family and pets.

Mark took great pride in whatever he did or whatever he owned. Picking out his new Toyota pickup and immaculately maintaining it, getting the latest electronic gadget or gizmo that came out, and his marksmanship. In the few months before his passing Mark developed an interest in target shooting. He sought a chosen level of performance and perfection in all that he did, and he wasn’t satisfied until he reached it – and reach it, he did.

Mark William Acton at age 48 lived a life that was too short. Mark filled those lives he touched with happiness, love and an unparalleled sense of humor. His patients recognized this and responded to his care and approach to physical rehabilitation. His children felt his love in their hearts and saw it in the guidance and strength he imparted on a daily basis. His wife felt this at the age of sixteen and holds on to it even today. His mother knew this from the moment he was conceived, the instant he was held, and every day of Mark’s life. His father, mother, uncles and aunts provided the guiding influences throughout his life, principles and guidance that he would continue to use in raising his own children. His younger brother knew that no matter what, his best friend was always watching out for him. Mark William Acton lived, and Mark William Acton loved.

A visitation will be from 5:00 - 6:00 pm with a service at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, October 19th at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel 6747 E. Broadway Rd in Mesa. Please visit www.mariposagardens.com to leave tributes or condolences. (480) 830-4422