Mark David Hardison

Mark David Hardison, 67, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on February 27, 2025 after a long battle with diabetes, kidney, and heart disease.

Mark was born on December 13, 1957 to Charles and Aimee Hardison in Norfolk, Virginia. While he attended Peoria High School, he was active in ROTC, and joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet. After Mark graduated from Peoria High School in 1976, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was an armorer and a military policeman.

He returned to Phoenix after his time in the Army ended. He went to work at the Phoenix Indian School, and enrolled in Phoenix College. After graduating with an AA degree, he continued to work at the Phoenix Indian School until that job was eliminated. He then worked security for American Express for 17 years. After the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, he returned to work for the U.S. government in the Department of Homeland Security.

Mark continued with Civil Air Patrol in various roles, including Navigator, Trainer, and Safety Officer. He eventually went on inactive duty in 2023. 

Mark also joined the Masonic order in 1990, aiding in fundraisers for children with cancer and other serious health issues. He was a member of the Paradise Valley Silver Trowel #29 Lodge.

In October of 1982, Mark met Karen at a local bookstore. They wed on April 9, 1983. Mark and Karen went on to have three children, Katherine (deceased), Paul, and Peter.

On September 11, 2024, Mark retired and spent his time playing with the cats, following Oak Island, listening to his favorite music, and looking for and sharing humorous things he found, either online or in print. He made a point of reading and studying his Bible throughout his life, from when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child.

Mark was predeceased by Charles and Aimee Hardison, and Katherine Hardison. He is survived by Karen Hardison, and Paul and Peter Hardison.

Services will be held at Regency Mortuary on March 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, an organization Mark felt strongly about.