Mark Andrew Galloup

Mark Andrew Galloup, 65, of Battle Creek died suddenly on Friday, August 21, 2015. With a heavy heart, his family is relieved and content knowing that all prayers have been answered and Mark is finally at peace resting in the loving arms of his Father in Heaven.

Mark was born October 26, 1949 in Battle Creek to John O. and Marilyn T. (Eckrich) Galloup. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1968 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central. After high school he attended Great Lakes Naval Academy. He was devoted to the Navy and remained a humble servant to his country and fellow VA veterans and patients.

Surviving are his father, John O. Galloup of Naples, FL; five sisters, Jeannie VandenBerg of Taos, NM, Ann (Gregg) Agens of Naples, FL, Karen Oliver of Naples, FL, Theresa (Rod) Burke of Battle Creek, and Jessica Fleming of Battle Creek; a brother, Stephen Galloup of Portage, MI;13 nieces and nephews and their families; and special friend, M.C. Carpenter. Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn T. Galloup on September 26, 2005; a brother, John C. Galloup on December 14, 2007; and a nephew, Benjamin J. Burke on April 1, 2012.

Mark was an avid golfer and he loved to tell everyone how his beloved St. Philip Tiger golf team took the State Championship in 1967. He was proud to be a golf coach for a brief time and until his health prevented it, he spent many happy years golfing at the VA. Mark often spoke of his joy at being given the role of Linus in his high school play, and after 48 years he would still recite his lines! Mark recently celebrated his 31st sobriety anniversary and helped many people struggling with mental illness and addictions. He knew how to apply the good steps of AA and often reminded his friends in the fellowship to "clean house, don't drink, and help others." Mark loved to sing and line dance. He taught himself to play guitar and though he wrote many of his own songs, he loved to sing "Horse with No Name," and "Taxi" by Harry Chapin. He never missed an opportunity to perform at the VA Talent Shows, and many of his performances were recorded and are kept there.

Mark took great pride in working for a short time as a nurse's aide and one of his favorite jobs was parking cars at the "Don Caesar" in St. Petersburg FL. Mark was a social person, and though he had many heavy crosses to bear, he never complained and accepted all his struggles with courage and deep faith in God. Though his mind was permanently broken at the age of eighteen, his soul continued to flourish and grow with his sobriety. Like a small child, he had perfect trust in Jesus and will be remembered for helping many to imitate his simple faith. In the world's eyes Mark may have seemed a poor, broken, crazy old man, but his family and close friends knew the truth. Having never accumulated status, wealth, or higher education due to his mental illness, Mark remained innocent and uncluttered, and his legacy will be that ability to help others see God in the broken places. Mark was given special graces and he could see miracles where others saw ugliness and despair. His gifts were helping his family have compassion and love for the mentally ill and the suffering alcoholic. A light has truly gone out in the Galloup family and his passing has already left a huge hole in their hearts.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where The Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John D. Fleckenstein at St. Philip Catholic Church 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Military honors and committal will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alano Club of Battle Creek, 1125 W. Territorial Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015; The Riverside Alano Club, 223 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014; or the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center Community & Volunteer Services for Personal Care Items or Transportation, 5600 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.