Karl Marks

May 30, 1926 ~ July 19, 2013

Long-time Moses Lake resident, Karl Marks, died on Friday, July 19, 2013. He was 87 years old. Karl moved to Albany, OR 6 years ago, after living 50 years in Moses Lake, WA, to be closer to family.

Karl was born in Monticello, Missouri to Rose Altha and Robert Walker Marks. He had 1 brother, Robert, and 4 sisters Wauna, Kathleen, Geraldine, and Junia who preceded him in death. Karl graduated from Missouri University with a degree in the agricultural sciences. He was married for 23 years to Dianne until their divorce in 1975. He was also married to Vera for 10 years until they divorced. Karl has 3 daughters, Karla Swiger of Jefferson,OR, Terri Fisher of Hayden Lake, ID, and Jody Cox of Beaverton,OR. He has 4 grandchildren, Earl, Shannon, Amanda and Shelbi. He also has 4 great grandchildren.

When Karl first came to Moses Lake in the late 1950's he went to work for Western Farmers Association. He went on to manage the Western Farmers in Royal Slope. He ultimately went into construction with Harold Stockton and they formed M & S Construction. After Harold's retirement, Karl continued in construction until he retired when he was 72 years old. During this time Karl also ranched raising day-old calves to market weight and Quarter Horses. Karl didn't retire easily and went to work for the Moses Lake Wal-Mart, where he worked until he was 80 years old.

Karl was a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church where he served as a lay reader, catered many dinners, and was known for his beautiful baritone singing voice. He was a member of the Grant County Elks Lodge where he was a life member until his death. He served in many offices including Exalted Ruler and Chaplain multiple times. He also served in offices for the State Elks. With the local Elks lodge he was also known for his catering skills. Karl was active with the Grant County Fair Board, as well as the Washington State Fair Board and the Grant County Quarter Horse Association. He served as ring master several times at local horse shows and was an accomplished auctioneer, using his skills often at the local county fairs.

Karl was a World War II veteran, of which he was very proud. Being an active singer, Karl was also active in Karaoke. He always said he would rather sing than eat.

In 2007, Karl moved to Albany, OR where he was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church and the American Legion.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Karl will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Any contributions can be made in Karl's name to St. Martins's Episcopal Church, 416 E Nelson Rd, Moses Lake,WA 98837.