William H. “Bud” Marks, 88, of El Dorado, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 at his home.

He was born Jan. 7, 1924 in Ouachita County to James Leon and Ethel (Smith) Marks.

Bud was a longtime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He served in the Navy during WWII. After the war, Bud returned home and married the love of his life. Bud retired from Pumps and Power as a welder. In 1968, Bud went to Guyana, South America for a few years and became a welding instructor for (AIFLD) Training School. While in Guyana, he also started the first square dancing club where he instructed square dancing and even called the dances. Over the years, Bud and Dorothy were blessed with six daughters and being out numbered seven to one might explain why Bud was so active in civic affairs. Bud was a member of the Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge in Lisbon. He was a charter member of the Local 706 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union and also the apprenticeship program coordinator for 24years. He was a member and past president of the Farm Bureau Association and served on the board for 25 years. He was also a member and past president of the Union County Cattleman’s Association in addition to being a member of the State Cattleman’s Association.

Preceding him in death are his parents; one daughter, Carol (Marks) Dees; seven sisters, Beatrice Kellum, Elsie Gardner, Mildred Edwards, Myrceal Whitten, Delores Bergeron, Linda Matthews and Avalene Messina.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Marks of El Dorado; five daughters, Judy Floyd and husband, Skip of Arlington, Texas, Linda McConnell of Van Alstyne, Texas, Barbara Marks of El Dorado, Betty Ferguson of Texarkana and Gail Griffith and husband, Claude Earl of Three Creeks; eight grandchildren, Reck McConnell, Trevor McConnell, Jackie Floyd, Trey Floyd, Heath Lotz, Heather Scheaffer, Michael Stegall, Michelle Porter;  nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Laurie Wolchik and Syble Horn; special godsons, Buddy Jackson, John, Dwayne, Dennis, and Jerome Thompson; numerous nieces and nephews; and host of many friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado.

Funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Bro. Steve Pelz officiating. Burial will follow at Burns-Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado.

Pallbearers will be John Thompson, Dwayne Thompson, Dennis Thompson, Buddy Jackson, Joe Willett and Bob Willett. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Local 706. 

A special thank you to Hospice caregivers, Shawnda Ratliff and Sheila Banks and also to Bro. Bob Inmon.

Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice or the Burns-Ebenezer Cemetery Fund.

Sign our online registry at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.

Published: 08/19/2012