Mark Alan Aten, 66 years old, of Oxford, Mississippi passed away comfortably in his home on Friday, July 12, 2024, after a year of battling various health issues. He was born February 11, 1958, in Macomb, Illinois to Richard and Betty Aten. Mark is preceded in death by both parents and an infant sister, Brenda Aten. Surviving is his sister, Luan Aten of Macomb, IL.
Mark went to Bardolph schools until their consolidation with Macomb, and graduated from Macomb Senior High in 1976. Though Mark dreamed of becoming a farmer and having a life like our childhood on the farm, he was already employed full time at King Seeley Thermos prior to graduation. Mark was one of a few men who transitioned to Mississippi when Thermos closed the plant in Illinois. He made a life in Mississippi and moved on to work for Brass Eagle and United Plastics. After 49 years of holding various roles in plastics manufacturing as the man who could fix anything, he retired during his extended illness in 2023.
Mark was best known for his hardworking nature, loyal dedication to others and generous character. He did not make time for hobbies as his work was always based upon mechanical emergencies. He once enjoyed playing basketball and baseball for Bardolph High, occasionally golfing and was an excellent slow pitch softball player. In his little spare time Mark enjoyed helping others, collecting farm toys (especially Allis-Chalmber,) match box cars, gloves and tools, tools, tools.
Everyone who knew Mark understands his naturally pleasant, yet quiet nature was not one to have requested funeral services. Memorials may be made in his honor to Arden Hospice of Oxford, MS. Special memories are heartedly welcome to be shared with Luan anytime via her home address or privately on social media.
