Mark Blane Denison

Mark Blane Denison, son of the late Raymond Edward Denison and Janette Lee Thompson, was born October 7, 1961 in Hawaii. Mark was raised by his father and stepmother, Raymond and Betty Denison. Due to his father being in the United States Navy, Mark grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In the 1970’s, Mark and the family moved to Arkansas where he graduated from high school. Shortly after graduation, Mark enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully for 10 years until his honorable discharge. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal (1), Non Commissioned Officers Professional development Ribbon (1), Driver’s Mechanic Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award) and the US Army Lapel Button. In 1994, Mark moved to Waynesville to be closer to his family. In December 1997, Mark met Michelle Ann Graves-Bales and they were united in marriage on June 11, 2005 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They shared over 11 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. After Mark finished his military career, he began working as a law enforcement officer. He worked for the City of Waynesville as a police officer, as well as the city of St. Robert. He was a Military Police investigator for many years and for the last two years he served as Game Warden for Fort Leonard Wood. In his spare time, Mark loved being outdoors; whether it was fishing, hunting or camping, he was always finding an excuse to spend time enjoying nature. On June 29, 2005, Mark was initiated into the Richland Masonic Lodge #385 and in December 2005 he became a Shriner and entered the Scottish Rite. Mark loved his dog Duke, but most importantly, he loved his family and treasured every moment he could spend with them. Mark passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 in Montrose, Colorado having attained the age of 54 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Michelle of the home; four children, Chad Denison (Angela) of State of Georgia, Jennifer Denison of the State of South Carolina, Jonathan Bales (Reba) of Waynesville, MO, and Lyndsey Burgess (Cody) of Waynesville, MO; five grandchildren, Seth, Derek and Gage Barnd, Emery Denison and Cooper Bales; his father-in-law, Larry Graves (Liz) of Richland, MO; his mother-in-law, Janis Graves of Waynesville, MO; sister-in-law, Rachelle Beasley (George) of Waynesville, MO, and brother-in-law, Larry Graves, Jr. (Samantha) of Montrose, CO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. The songs “So Far Away” by Dire Straits and “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mark Denison and may be left at the funeral home.

Mark Blane Denison

October 7, 1961 - August 3, 2016