On the 16th of November, 2019, Mark Michael Mattingly went home to be with the Lord while in the mountains he loved. A husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and man of God went home to be with Jesus in the way he had desired.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Jeremy (Jodi) Mattingly, Melissa Mattingly; 5 grandchildren; sister, Susan Baker.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kevin Joseph Mattingly; mother, Kathryn June Koch; brother, Kevin A. Mattingly; and youngest son, Russell Ryan Mattingly.
His infectious laugh, smile, and helping hand brought joy to many people in his life. Mark was born on May 29, 1952, and grew up in Indiana with his father, mother and two siblings. After high school he did a short stint in the Army and then moved to Montana. It was there that he met his wife to be Suzanne Curtis while staying at the hotel she worked at. Early on in their marriage, true to form and indicative of their future together filled with adventure, they spent a night together on the side of a mountain waiting for opening light of hunting season with only a wool blanket. From that day forward they would embark upon many rewarding adventures together that always involved family and friends, new and old. Suzanne was the love of his life and they proved to be a godly example of what marriage should look like; they truly exemplified two people becoming one.
Together they began Mattingly Testing Services and through smart business decisions, ingenuity, integrity, hard work and God’s grace they grew it into a successful business.
Mark was a man of deep convictions and integrity which was reflected in his business, home-life, friendships, and his walk with Jesus. He loved each of his children deeply even though he was unable to adequately convey it at times. He was proud of how capable, strong, and hardworking his son, Jeremy, had become a true family man. He was also proud of Melissa, a strong godly woman who answered the call to become an Ethnos 360 missionary. To his son, Russell, there just wasn’t enough time; he wished he could have had one more hug. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them grow up into contributing citizens.
Mark wasn’t a demonstrative man who easily communicated his feelings, but it can be said with confidence and authority that he deeply loved Suzanne, Jeremy, Melissa, Russell, grandchildren, his adopted children, family and his many friends.
Although not perfect, Mark displayed the character of Christ in so many ways. (When it came to helping, he was quick to say yes, no matter what or how far away.) He was always up for an adventure, whether it was helping those in need or going on missions’ trips, he was ready, willing, highly capable; it was always about serving others. What he wasn’t always able to say in words he made up for in action. His faith was made evident in how he lived and loved people.
Mark loved the creation story and sharing what he had learned recently about creation science with glee. He was wise with money, but it never owned him and he generously gave as the Lord prompted him to.
On a cold winter night, you could easily find him with a bowl of popcorn while watching a western or some other vintage movie. Spring always brought with it a longing for Alaska because summer in Alaska on the boat was definitely his happy place. Whether it was collecting firewood or hunting, the mountains were constantly calling him and eventually became his final resting place.
While looking over Gibson Reservoir, he said to his eldest grandson Austin, “this would be a perfect place to die,” and so it was. Mark you went home to Jesus way too soon, you are deeply missed by so many, till we meet again.
Condolences for the family may be shared at the O'Connor Funeral Home website.
