Mark D. Huffman

Mark David Huffman, age 58, left this world on April 4, 2023, an ordinary day, yet filled with so many things that made him happy. We will miss his great wit, his strong passion for ideas, his desire to help others, and the love that he shared with all of us. We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved husband and father.

Mark had a constant desire to create a better world for all people. No matter how large or small his actions, he always tried to fight for the right thing. Mark’s intellect and creativity knew no bounds. Whether it was trying to expand our vocabulary or challenge a friend in a debate, he never gave up. He always believed that he could have an impact on others. His passions were reflected through his years of volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and tutoring elementary school children through various organizations. Mark wanted to give to others some of the advantages that he had growing up.

Mark was born in and grew up in Toledo. He attended Beverly Elementary School and graduated from Bowsher High School in 1983. He graduated with a Chemistry major from Indiana University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then earned his MBA in Finance from The Ohio State University in 1992. Throughout his professional life, Mark worked as a chemist, a financial analyst, and an accountant, most recently with Kingston Healthcare.

Mark met the love of his life, Susie, at a mutual friend’s wedding and they were married on February 8,1997. From this union came their three beloved children, Ryan, Rachel, and Joshua, with all the joys of raising and loving them for the past 25 years. Mark was proud of the young adults that they have become in pursuing their own dreams.

After the birth of his children, Mark desired to write a book that he could read to them at bedtime. And so was born The Story of Lex. His love of words and writing along with his determination resulted in his dream of publication finally coming to fruition in the last year. Having accomplished this has brought us great joy and pride. His local library story times and book signings were some of his happiest moments of late. The Story of Lex will be a tangible part of his legacy.

Sports were another driving force in Mark’s life. In his youth he excelled, as a parent he coached, and as a huge IU fan he experienced the full spectrum of emotions. And his competitiveness did not stop on the field, as he was a huge card shark. Some of our fondest memories include nights of playing Wizard at the lake with all of his family. Mark also loved competing in his weekly paddle and tennis groups and his annual IU PIKE golf trip during the March Madness kickoff. But it wasn’t just the sports or activities that made him happy, it was the people he played with, his lifelong friends that brought him great joy.

One of Mark’s best ways of communicating was through the songs that he shared, the meaning behind them, and the memories that were created. Music was his passion and it will connect us to him always.

Mark leaves behind a large group of family and friends who will mourn his loss and try to live as he did. He is survived by his loving wife, Susie (Pisula) and their children, Ryan, Rachel, and Joshua Huffman. He is also survived by his parents, Gordon and Beverly Huffman, his two brothers and sisters-in-law: Craig & Anita Huffman, Eric & Kelli Huffman, and sister-in-law Gina (Pisula) & Andre Nadon and brother-in-law, Darryl McDonald. Additionally, his nieces and nephews Meredith, Lauren, Gordon (Catherine), Madison (Austin), Nate, and Trevor Huffman and Anna, Darby, and Reid Fischer and Lindsey McDonald, as well as the rest of his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws Jack & Diane Pisula, and sister-in-law Tricia McDonald.

Friends and family will be received Friday, April 7, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, where there will be a sharing of memories at 7:30. In lieu of flowers, please do what you can to be the change that Mark saw through his hopeful eyes and spread the message of love from The Story of Lex. Mark was passionate about helping kids to improve their reading and math skills, so if you are so inclined, support a literacy group, or volunteer to support children’s learning to honor his memory.