Mark Douglas Naughton of Manhattan, KS, passed away at the age of 61, following a sudden illness on Monday August 21, 2023.
Mark was born on November 20, 1961 to Gary and Mary Naughton. He was the oldest of four boys. The family moved to Manhattan in 1969. In 1985, Mark married Cynthia (Brownell) Naughton. They had been married for 38 years and have three children: Killian, Gunnar and Tannan. They also have seven grandchildren Charlie, Shiloh, Zoey, Brooklyn, Elise, Henry and Olivia.
Mark graduated from Manhattan High School in 1980, and graduated from Manhattan Christian College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2000. He was very active with the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout Badge and serving as Scout Master in later years.
Mark grew up playing Army with his brothers, often reenacting WW2 battles in the acreage of their rural home. He was a patriot and fulfilled his lifelong dream of serving his country. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard at the age of 17. He interservice transferred to become a United States Marine. After 4 years in the Marine Corps, he went back to the Kansas Army National Guard, later serving in the Army Reserves as well. He served in numerous roles including Infantryman, Tanker, Master Gunner, Recruiter, Ammunition Specialist, Intel Analyst, Logistics Manager, Tank Driver, Loader, Gunner, Tank Commander, Platoon Sergeant, M1A1 Master Gunner and Tank Company First Sergeant. While serving, he earned the Expert Infantry Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the M1A1 Master Gunner Badge. He also received a US Cavalry Association Order of Saint George Bronze Medallion. While a Recruiter, he earned the Gold Badge, all 3 Sapphire Stars, a Recruiter Ring and the Glen E. Morrel Award. His combined military service is over 27 years, and he retired as a First Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 2006. He earned a Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor in 1983 while serving as a Scout Sniper in Grenada in support of Operation Urgent Fury. He had no knowledge of the award until it was presented to him in 2021. In his characteristic humility, he kept the award private.
After he retired from the Army, he just couldn’t step away from the military, so he worked on Fort Riley as a contractor. At the time of his death, he was working as Project Manager for Valiant Integrated Services, training troops at the range, tank, helicopter and military vehicle simulators. He was set to retire in December of 2023.
Mark was a soft-spoken man of few words. He was quick-witted and had a dry sense of humor. He could make a pun out of anything. His presence demanded authority, yet his demeanor made him loved and admired by all. He dominated in the workplace and excelled in everything he attempted including art, creative writing, mechanics, vehicle restoration, military, leadership, animal care, public speaking, education, and most of all—fatherhood and grand-fatherhood. As a father, he supported his kids in every endeavor. He always encouraged and complimented his children which helped build their self-confidence and inspired his oldest two children to join the military as well. His grandchildren adored him, especially when he read them stories with his funny voices.
He was the President of a Sons of the American Revolution Chapter, an avid Civil War Reenactor and Living Historian. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans Jeep Club, and the Military Veterans Motorcycle Club.
Mark leaves behind a multitude of loved ones who are deeply grieving his loss. He is survived by his 2016 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic; His wife Cynthia; His three children and their spouses: Justin and Killian Cline, Gunnar and Kayla Naughton, Mitchell and Tannan Millsap. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Charlie, Zoey, Elise and Olivia Millsap, and Shiloh and Henry Cline. He is also survived by his Mother and Step-father Mary and Wesley Cosby, his step-mother Barbara Naughton, his three brothers and their wives Dave & Charlotte, Joe & Kim, and John Alex and Judi Naughton. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his father Gary Naughton and his granddaughter Brooklyn Cline.
Funeral services will be held at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:30am. There will be graveside services following the funeral at KS Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Riley.
The family asks that instead of flowers, please consider donating to the funeral expenses by either our Go Fund Me page, directly to the funeral home, or writing a check to Cynthia Naughton.