Mark Brayton

All who knew Mark Brayton would agree that he was larger than life. He had a heart that was as big as the sky is blue, and his zest for life was truly contagious. There was no greater gift in Mark’s life than his family, and it was easy to see that his world revolved around his precious daughter. A man of many gifts and talents, he worked hard in everything he did and was well-known in the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. Mark loved music, working on cars, and all things Star Wars and Star Trek, and he was always a bustle of activity. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1960s were an eventful time in American history. This was the decade when we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States only to mourn his death a short time later. The space race between our country and the Soviet Union was in full swing, and it was America that was victorious when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. It was as this decade was coming to an end that David and Betty (Johns) Brayton were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as October unfolded in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The big day finally arrived on October 7, 1968, when the baby boy they named Mark Alan drew his first breath. He was one of two children in his family as he was raised alongside his brother, Aaron. Mark was a typical young boy of his generation who attended local schools. After graduating from East Noble High School in 1987, he went on to Ball State University for two years. A longtime fan of both Star Wars and Star Trek, Mark was president of the Star Trek Club in college.

Throughout his life Mark was known for his exemplary work ethic. He spent many years working at Colwell and then at Courier, and in 2002 he proudly graduated from the intensive Wal-Mart Management Program. Mark also worked at Wal-Mart, Rural King, and most recently, Tenneco in Ligonier.

Life was forever changed for Mark when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Jodi Watson, and it wasn’t long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Mark and Jodi were married at the Noble County Courthouse on May 13, 1998. To make sure it took, they followed it with a church wedding on August 29, 1998, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Emily Jennifer. There was nothing Mark treasured more than being a father, and his pride in being a father knew no bounds. He was sure to share his love and pride in his family with everyone he knew.

Over the years Mark was a man of many interests. He was a music lover who was talented enough to play by ear, and he listened to music a lot. Mark was also mechanically minded and enjoyed working on cars as he was not afraid of trying new things. As his family and friends can attest, Mark was an avid fan of the Star Wars and Star Trek movies as well as all the Marvel, Avenger, and other superhero movies. Mark loved playing video games and collected expensive watches with Invicta being his favorite brand. He also had a weird obsession with Under Armour and was very particular about his cologne. Mark’s favorite was Vince Camuto. He didn’t travel frequently, but he did fall in love with Jamaica the two times he visited.

Mark Brayton was a blessing to everyone he met. He always had a smile, and with a huge heart he was always looking for ways to help others. Mark had the best sense of humor, and he loved sharing his contagious laughter with everyone around him. He could do anything he set his mind to, and although he accomplished so much of which to be proud he was a humble man whose family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Life will never be the same without Mark here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

Mark Alan Brayton, of Kendallville, unexpectedly passed into Christ's eternal peace on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Mark’s family includes his wife, Jodi and daughter, Emily of Kendallville; parents, David and Betty Brayton of Rome City; brother, Aaron (Amy) Brayton of West Lafayette; father-in-law, Harlow Watson of Kendallville; brother-in-law, Tim Watson of Kendallville; sister-in-law, Laura Watson of Kendallville; nephews, Noah Brayton of Kendallville and Michael and Coral Watson of Austin, Texas; nieces, Madison Brayton of Kendallville and Kayliegh (Brian) Watson of Champaign, Illinois; loving aunts and uncles; and his grandma, Helen Johns of Columbia City. Mark was preceded in death by an infant brother, Christopher; his mother-in-law, Maxine Watson; brother-in-law Craig Watson; and two grandfathers and a grandmother. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 17, 2016, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Rich Laskowski officiating the memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to help the family. Send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com.