Mark James Croft

Mark James Croft, 52, of Pocatello passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013 at his home from an apparent heart attack.

The year 1961 brought many great things, including Mark James Croft. He was born November 7, 1961, in Idaho Falls, the son of Maggie and Verlyn Croft.

He is the youngest of 4 siblings; Peggy, Denise, Wayne and Blaine. In Idaho Falls, he attended schools and then graduated in 1980 from Skyline High School.

Mark began his first job at Ada's Cafe, where he met his wife Cathy Smith. They were married in 1982 and moved to Pocatello. He then began working as a chef at Sea Galley and finished his career as a reputable employee at Wall 2 Wall Carpet.

Mark and Cathy are the proud parents of 5 beautiful children; Shawn (Jennifer), Michelle (Stuart), Ashley (Lance), Mathew, and Bradley and also grandparents to 4 adorable children; Jett, Brooklyn, Jaylee, and Madilyn. Mark was a man of many talents and loved many things, but his most important asset was his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were and are his pride and joy.

He encouraged each of his children to pursue their education. Shawn, Michelle, and Ashley graduated from Idaho State University, Mathew is a recent graduate from Pocatello High School, and Bradley is currently a senior and will graduate from Pocatello High School this spring.

The transition from a parent to a grandpa was one of the happiest times for Mark. His grandchildren were his life. He involved himself in each of their lives by grasping any opportunity he had to watch them and by regularly volunteering in Jett's classroom at Gate City Elementary.

Some of his passions included cooking, camping, playing his guitar, singing, white water rafting, fishing, supporting his children in sports/choir, and was an avid Braves fan.

He had many titles but his favorites were dad, grandpa, and husband.

Mark not only knew what love was...he know how to truly love everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Mark was preceded in death by his father Verlyn Croft. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the L.D.S. West Stake Center (corner of Hawthorne Road & West Eldredge) with Bishop Boyd Rowe of the 18th Ward officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the L.D.S. West Stake Center and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery. Funeral arrangements under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave.