Mark Stewart Earnest

Mark Stewart Earnest, 46, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the family home. A Memorial Service will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17, 2018, 10:00 AM. Interment will follow the Memorial Service at General Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery. Celebrate Mark’s life by visiting www.andersonbethany.com to offer a memory or expression of sympathy for his family. On February 13, 1971, Mark was born in Roswell, NM, to Thomas and Maureen Earnest. He graduated from Roswell High School in 1989. At the age of 17, following graduation Mark enlisted in the US Army and became a Combat Medic with the First Calvary Division. Thus, began a sterling military career that lasted over twenty years including five tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, and received numerous decorations, medal and commendations. In 2010, he was honorably discharged from the Army with the love and respect of many who served with him. He married Susie Rodriguez on August 30, 2003, in Dexter, NM, after meeting each other at Sierra Fire Department, where they both volunteered. Throughout Mark’s life he was a Firefighter, EMT and Military Training Instructor, to name the few he was most proud of. He had an immense love for music and spending time with all his grandchildren and great-grandson. Mark made many friends thought his life and he cherished each individual memory he made with them. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Primera Iglesia Bautista of Dexter, Mark had a loving and generous heart and was always willing to help others. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to many. Mark was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, not only by his family and friends, but by all those fortunate enough to have known him. Preceding Mark in death were his grandparents: Thomas and Millie Earnest, and Stewart and Marion Ries. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents: Thomas and Maureen Earnest of Roswell, NM; sister, Ann and husband, Mark Weaver of Lubbock, TX; children: Naomi Gutierrez and husband, Freddie, Jr. of Roswell, NM Stephanie Silvas of Dexter, NM, Eric Sosa and wife, Mayela of Roswell, NM, Zachary Marquez of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren: Desiree Sosa, Jordan Sosa, Dominique Silvas, Meagan Sosa, Izela Gutierrez, Joel Silvas, Noah Silvas, Ethan Gutierrez, Iyana Sosa; his niece, Kennedy Weaver; and great-grandson, Deytonn Sosa. Those chosen as Honorary Pallbearers are: Eric Sosa, Jordan Sosa, Freddie Gutierrez, Jr, Elijah Rodriguez, Orlando Rodriguez, Leonardo Anchondo, Mark Skylar Earnest, Tony Earnest, his grandkids and great-grandson. Mark’s family wishes to give a Special Thanks to friends and family, both Primera Iglesia Bautista of Dexter, and Trinity Methodist Church of Roswell, for the support and food that they have provided. Live Your Life So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion. Respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. When it comes your time to die, Sing your death song and die like a hero going home. -Chief Tecumseh “The Sprit goes to the sky, but a true hero never dies.” Mark’s family lovingly wrote this tribute in his honor.

Mark Stewart Earnest

February 13, 1971 - February 7, 2018