Obituary of Mark Morton Chatfield IV

Mark Chatfield, 77, passed away on June 23rd, ending his long battle with cancer and beginning his eternal life in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Minot, North Dakota and raised in Deming, New Mexico. Mark earned a bachelor's degree at New Mexico State and a master’s degree at Kentucky State. In 1967, a fellow church member introduced him to Sandra Ann Thomas, who he married and adored for 54 years. In 1969, he was drafted into the Army where he declared himself a conscientious objector and served his nation as a medic during the Vietnam War. In his career as a civil engineer with the Federal Department of Transportation, Mark supervised highway and railroad design and construction projects, eventually earning the position of Federal Lands Highway Program Engineer.

He had many interests, including motorcycling and sailing. He traveled extensively and especially enjoyed the Florida Keys. In his retirement he loved to play golf with friends, to sing and perform in choral groups, and to play his ukulele with various clubs in The Villages. He was a devoted member of the Central Church of Christ in Ocala and a loving Christian to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister who he missed and longed to see in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, three children and their families, a niece and nephew, and two brothers-in-law. All are welcome to a visitation and Celebration of Life at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home (3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL) on July 8th, Friday, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or to Cornerstone Hospice.