Mark VanMatre Obituary

November 27, 1961 - January 24, 2008. Mark David VanMatre, 46, died peacefully surrounded by his family, January 24, 2008 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. He was born November 27, 1961 in Muncie, the son of Patricia E. (Davis) VanMatre and David C. VanMatre. Mark, his parents and siblings moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1969. He graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in 1980. He returned to Muncie to attend Ball State University, earning his B.A. degree in psychology. During his early career, Mark worked passionately for the well being of underprivileged youth and children at risk in Muncie and the surrounding communities. Mark returned to Ivy Tech Community College and completed his surgical technician training in July of 2006. He was employed at Reid Hospital in Richmond. Mark was a member St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Muncie. He was a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America. He served as the Troop Committee Chair for Troop 39 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Mark was a leader for White Stag Junior Leader Trainer and Woodbadge Adult Leader Training. Mark was honored for his dedication to scouting with several awards including the Silver Beaver, the highest national award a council bestows. Mark is survived by his mother, Patricia E. VanMatre, Colorado Springs, Colorado; his son, Matthew M. VanMatre, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan; his daughter, Jessica N. VanMatre, Muncie; a sister, Anne M. Whitelaw, (husband-Kevin), Colorado Springs, Colorado; a brother, Michael J. VanMatre, (wife-Linda), Colorado Springs, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Joshua Whitelaw; Christina Whitelaw; Michelle VanMatre; Emily Whitelaw; Johnathan VanMatre; Katherine Whitelaw and Andrew VanMatre; his former wife, Elizabeth Poore, Muncie and several relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, David C. VanMatre; his maternal grandparents, Frank and Alice Davis; his paternal grandparents, Virgil and Alice VanMatre. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Colorado Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, 300 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47305-2456 or to Huffer Memorial Children's Center, 2000 E. Elgin, Muncie, IN 47303. Online condolences may be directed to www.meeksmortuary.com.