Mark Dean Maley

Mark was 63, when the Lord called him home to paradise. Mark was born in Independence, Missouri to Forest Eugene Maley and Irene Yates Maley on September 11, 1961, Mark was the fifth child to the family. Mark’s closest sibling was 7-year-older than Mark, so a lucky young man had all momma’s attention.

He and Irene would take the city bus down to Plant and Flower Show every year. At the age of six Mark could tell you the names of all the flowers and trees. Also, watching and helping mom cook and bake. Mark was an excellent cook. He made pies that were too pretty to cut.

Mark went to Proctor Elementary a few blocks from the house. That summer Forest took a job in Waterloo Cedar Falls. Julie and Mark really got closer, new school, new State and that is where Mark graduated from Cedar Falls High School.

Mark loved the outdoors. And fishing and hunting was the only thing that got Mark out of bed at 5:00 am. Mark spent a couple of summers with sister Bonnie and Donnie and going out on Vet calls with Donnie and Mark has always been a big Boy-Man.

In 1980, Mark headed to Colorado to spend the summer with sister Becky and family (Allen, Eric, Miles). Mark was more like a big brother to Eric and Miles. In that time Mark met Rita, his love, he always referred to Rita as my love. Mark and Rita were married February 16, 1985. They both loved the outdoors, Mark worked construction. Over the years, which took them to several states, they finally settled in Kansas City and started their business. M&R Fence, if you can draw it Mark could build it. Mark loved working with Wood.

At this time Mark was introduced to Equines, Rita’s love for horses. He jumped right in and started looking, Mark found a mule Bessie Truman just because he wanted to be different. They spent the next 20 years camping with horses and dogs.

Mark loved hunting and was very good at it. Took a lot of pride in one shot was all it took. He was an avid shooter in trap sporting Clay’s & Skeet. One year he finished the season 98 out 100 won trophies and lots of patches which wasn’t the reason, he wanted to be the best marksman he could be. He so enjoyed the comradery with the guys.

Mark is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rita, his beloved mule Bess and dog Chugg. Also, by Brother, David Maley of Kansas City, sister Becky Maley of Grand Junction, Colorado, Sister Bonnie Case (Donnie) of Higginsville, Missouri; Sister, Julie Tansey (Rick) of Waterloo, Iowa and many nieces and nephews and 13 grand nieces and nephews.

Mark is preceded in death by Mother, Irene and Father, Forest; Sister-in-law, Cindy Maley and all of Rita’s family; mother, Della Webb, Nita Smith; Father, Don Webb and Don Smith and three brothers, Robert, Randy and Ricky Smith.