Giddens, Mark D. 1968-2024 Liberty, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
LIBERTY, Mo. – Mark David Giddens, warrior and friend, loyal and true, passed away peacefully at the age of 55, at his loving home in Liberty, Missouri, surrounded by those who cherished him on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
Born on Thursday, Dec. 26, 1968, to James and Donna (Van Cleave) Giddens, of St. Joseph. He lived there until his late 20’s, enjoying the companionship of many friends and family members. He was a 1987 graduate of Central High School. Mark moved to Kansas City in 1995 when he converted from a casual to a full time clerk for the United States Postal Service. Mark met his future wife and best friend, Sherrie Keown, on the USPS workroom floor. After many 12 hour shifts and much laughter, they married on Oct. 24, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mark donning a dashing full tuxedo kilt. During his 33 year career with the Post Office, he also served as a shop steward, President and was currently the Vice President of the American Postal Workers Union, Kansas, Kaw Valley Area Local #238.
Mark was an avid sportsman in high school, competing in wrestling, football, baseball, golf and in later years, co-ed softball.
Mark found his “heart work” in 2008, when he and Sherrie began fostering dogs for The Animal Rescue Alliance. Over the next 16 years, 200 plus homeless animals would grace their home and ultimately find their forever families. During that time, he began transporting for various rescue organizations so those same animals could find their way to safe haven, putting well over 200,000+ miles on his vehicles.
Ever the defender of the “Underdog”, human and animal alike, Mark joined the Liberty Pitbull Alliance in 2016. After tirelessly attending meetings and petitioning Liberty City Council, canvassing homes, and finally forcing a city wide vote, the group succeeded in having a long term breed ban lifted, supported by the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society. The group’s victory inspired other cities to follow suit, like Independence and Kearney, Missouri. Finally, Mark realized that trapping lost and stray animals was his final passion in the rescue community. His fierce determination and dedication resulted in many animals being reunited with their families and/or brought to safety. His devotion will long live on through the mentoring and leadership he bestowed willingly and selflessly to others.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, James; grandparents, Willard and Vesta Van Cleave and Earl and Ruth Giddens.
Survivors include his wife, Sherrie, and their beloved fur babies, Merlin, Almondine, Dawson and Mae; his mother, Donna; his sister, LeaAnn; two nieces, Megan and Lindsey; and his nephew, Shaun.
Visitation will be held at 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at Hidden Valley Funeral Home, in Liberty, Missouri. 1015 E. H Hwy, Liberty, Mo 64068. A Celebration Service will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials are asked to The Animal Rescue Alliance, see website below, or The Real Fix (Venmo: @TheRealFix).
“For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains” – Benny Archuleta As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
