of Benton, AR
January 18, 1958 - September 22, 2015
Mark Steven Tedford, 57, of Benton passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 in Little Rock. He was born January 18, 1958 in Little Rock to the late Burl Austin Tedford and Betty Brooks Roewe.
Mr. Tedford graduated from Benton High School in 1976 and attended Southwest Technical Institute in Camden. He entered the U. S. Navy in 1979 and attended several naval schools until 1987. During this time he served on the USS Nashville, USS LaJolla, and the USS Guadalcanal and earned several Navy Achievement Medals and Awards. Mark was a mechanic and member of Highland Heights Baptist Church and loved hiking, caving, and bare foot water skiing.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Mary (Mocniak) Tedford; one sister, Kathy King of Benton; one brother, Rick Tedford of Benton; stepfather, Mert Roewe of Fouke, AR; one niece, Marissa Reynolds; one nephew, Kevin King, and his 9 yr. old Collie Shepard, Chelsea.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) officiated by Olan King. Family visitation will follow the Memorial Service.
Memorials in his honor may be made to the Humane Society of Saline County, 7600 Bauxite Hwy., Bauxite, AR 72011.
To the family and friends of Mark, I have known Mark since 7th grade at East Side Jr. High. We were co-competitors as we both tried out for pole vaulter. We skied together in our mid teens all over lake Ouachita. Mark was a true friend that will be greatly missed by many. I hope you have been comforted by our God during these past few weeks. Gary
I am so sorry for your loss.
Was surprised and saddened to learn of Mark's death. He and I worked together at the Bryant Post Office. He was one of the best clerks I ever had. I also loved his dry sense of humor. When he needed a smoke break, I would see an unlit
cigarette in his mouth. A few minutes later, another would be over his ear. If that didn't do it, you would find another over the other ear. Little subtle hints....ha! He was a joy to work with because of his personality, intellect, and quick wit. I have thought of him many times after our paths crossed with warm memories. Donna, I will pray for God's peace for you. Say hello to sister Linda.
To the Tedford family and Donna I am praying for you all in hopes the good lord will help you through this . I am here for any of you that might need something or just someone to talk to. Rest in peace mark .We will miss you .hugs and kisses till we meet again
Rick (and family):
Mark, you, and I were cavers together going to whatever cave we could get into. I got to know Mark pretty well scrabbling around together in the dark places under the Earth for hours at a time. You don't want to be in a cave for too long with someone you don't get along with so Mark was a great person to go caving with. He was always good to be around. Those were good times. I know how much Mark enjoyed it.
He was a good caver and a good friend. Until he got to where he just couldn't go because of health, he was always planning the next trip and was a welcome addition in the caving community. He was one of the friendliest people I knew, and I'm going to miss him.
Kathy, Ricky and family we are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Helen, Don and Donna
My dear sis Donna, Rick , Kathy and family, What an honor and privilege to have known Mark and to have him as my brother in law. Even though are families are miles apart... I got to know him a little better and talk with him a little more when every time I called to talk to Donna she would say to Mark.....here take the phone and talk to Karen. I thank her for her spunk because of her I did get to say Hi and chat a few minutes. I am also great full for his service to our country! I'm glad you have each other now and though we can't be there with you , just know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace and it is not goodbye but see you later Mark. Much love from me and Craig and our family!
I served with Mark on the Guadacanal. I recently was able to talk to him through a mutual friend, Neal Wright. I wish I could have found him sooner. I was a young man when I knew Mark and he taught me a lot. There are things I do today on my job that I can attribute to him. Knowing Mark for that short period of my life has made me a better person both personally and professionally. To his friends and family, I have only talked to him twice in 25 years but I want you to know it was a conversation like we had never been separated by time are distance. He will be missed.
They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind. - Tuscarora
Donna and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
You will be missed.You are now healed and in the Lords loving care. May your family find comfort and peace knowing we will all be reunited again when the Lord returns to claim his own. all our love and prayers The Dohm's
Donna I am so very sorry for the lose of your dear husband. Please know that your in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve. God Bless You and keep you. Cousin Marge
Rick & Jan,
Shocked to hear aboutMark's passing. I had not known he had been sick. Prayers extended to you on your loss. I went to school with Mark and was good friends with some of his. Prayers my friend!
Kathy, Rick & Family,
We are sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert, Judy & Sarah Young
Rick I'm so sorry. Praying for you and the family.
saying prayers for the family , I know how much he was loved !
Kathy, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I know how it feels to lose a brother. I lost mine in 1980. I still miss him being here and know he is in a much better place than we are right now. I pray for comfort for you and your family. I pray God will wrap his arms around you all and give you peace. Praying for you all!