Obituary of Mark William Massingill
Mark William Massingill was born in Monroe, Michigan on October 7, 1960. He was the second of three children born to the union of Vaughn Lee and Shirley Delta Marie (Busz) Massingill of Dundee, Michigan. Mark attended Dundee High School, lettering in football and basketball, and was active in student government. After graduating with the Class of 1979, he attended trade school.
A talented craftsman, Mark started his career in the sheet metal trade and was employed in general construction at Madison and Wickfield Properties for thirty years. Mark’s interest in construction began as a young man working alongside his father and brother in the family business of Dundee Plumbing and Heating. He retired in 2019 as project manager of Wickfield’s Brightline Construction.
Mark’s favorite place growing up was the family cottage on Evans Lake where he enjoyed summer’s boating, skiing, and swimming. He loved Westerns, particularly John Wayne movies, and used his incredible imagination to invent games to entertain his younger sister. Mark led an active life making many lifelong friends through work, coaching girls’ soccer in Dexter, and competing in races and marathons with his Flint running club. He loved U of M football and was a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
The inscription on his favorite mug reads, “Born to golf,” which rang true for Mark. As an avid golfer, he continued to get on the course despite physical limitations from his illness. He is one of few golfers, including professionals, to shoot a par 5 Albatross—a rare feat with estimated odds of 6 million to 1.
Mark was proud of his daughter Danielle, often bragging about her construction skills, taught by him of course. He adored his grandchildren, Riley and Brayden, and enjoyed sharing their photos and latest accomplishments. Always a jokester, Mark kept his sense of humor through a courageous four-year battle with brain cancer. He was grateful for the support of family and friends, including Bob, Debbie, Kevin, Gary, Jeff, Laura, Mike, Molly, Tom, and Tyler.
Mark William Massingill, age 62, passed away peacefully with family in his Ann Arbor home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. His passing was preceded by his father Vaughn Lee Massingill, and paternal and maternal grandparents. Left to cherish his memory are his: daughter Danielle (Scott) Degood and grandchildren Riley and Brayden of Hudsonville, Michigan; mother Shirley Massingill, and brother Terry (Mary) Massingill of Dundee; sister Connie (Roman) Bohatch of Grand Rapids, Michigan; fourteen nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion Duke.
A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held on Saturday; September 9, 2023, at the Old Mill Museum, 242 Toledo Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131. A memorial service will start at 11:00am and luncheon to follow at 12:00pm. Mark’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Henry Ford Health. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.