Mark E. Haskins

Mark Edward Haskins, age 68, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 9, 2016. He was born March 3, 1948 in Rochester, Minnesota to Edward L. and Eleanor M. (Zellman) Haskins. After living for short periods of time in Denver, Iowa, Berea, Ohio, and Cadillac, Michigan, Mark and his family relocated to Battle Creek, where he resided for the remainder of his life. He attended Urbandale Elementary School, Northwestern Jr. High School, and was a 1966 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Mark graduated from Anderson College (Anderson, Indiana) in 1971.

In 1970, Mark married Pat White, his high school sweetheart. Last October, they celebrated 45 years of happy marriage. Mark and Pat were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Kristen. Mark adored his girls and enjoyed spending time with them and supporting them in their school and musical activities. He also loved traveling with his family and involving them in the planning and construction of his home improvement projects. In recent years, Mark's greatest joy has been his three grandsons, Jesse (almost 4), Nathan (16 months) and Caerdan (9 months). He loved spending time with them, teaching them and watching their unique personalities develop.

Most of Mark's career was spent in the Finance Department of the City of Battle Creek, where he spent 30 years preparing and managing the city's budgets. He retired as Finance Services Manager in 2010.

Mark volunteered his service as Treasurer for North Avenue Church of God, where he had attended since the age of 14. He served his Lord and his church family as the church pianist for 54 years. His heart-felt interpretation of the music and his sharing of his God-given talent blessed many over the years. Mark also directed the church choir for many years and served on numerous boards and committees there. He lived his life as an example of humility and obedience to God.

Mark is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughters, Jennifer (Anthony) Salas of Battle Creek, and Kristen (Richard) Hillis of Arlington, Tennessee; three grandsons, Jesse Hillis, Nathan Hillis, and Caerdan Salas; and a brother, John (Lynda) Haskins of Portage. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Mary.

The family will greet friends at Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 13th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Mark's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 14th at the North Avenue Church of God, 1079 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the North Avenue Church of God. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Mark may be placed at www.farleyesestesdowdle.com.