Mark Andrew Boyd age 52 of West Lafayette passed away in his home 3:23 PM Saturday, November 9, 2024.  He fought a courageous 18 month battle with ALS.  Mark was born to Rev. Robert and Bernice Knoblett Boyd in Peoria, IL on January 11, 1972. Mark was welcomed at home by his sister - Susan, and brothers John, Michael, and Matthew. The family spent many hours playing music, which is where Mark learned to love all stringed instruments, spoiling dogs, and watching the Chicago Bears. He later mastered nearly anything with strings including the mandolin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and electric bass/ guitar.

Mark spent the majority of his youth in the midwest including - Robinson IL, Wingate, Mellott, and Warren IN. The family then moved to Winston Salem NC to serve churches in the area when Mark was a teenager.

Mark graduated in 1990 from Davidson County Community College in NC. He would later study philosophy, business, and technology. He earned his engineering degree in 2003. Mark studied and practiced Tae Kwon Do at Lee Brothers TKD in Burlington, NC where he had the great honor of studying under Sang Ho Lee, who was one of Mark's dearest friends. Mark earned several black belts in Tae Kwon Do. Mark also studied Aikido in the Lafayette area.

Mark was a life-long student of religion, firearms, music, philosophy, martial arts, politics, history, and literature. He had a wicked sense of humor and his wit was second to none.

Mark's loyalty could be seen in many aspects of his life, his work life included. Mark started working in his early teen years helping farmers and local businesses. As an adult Mark worked at Wesley Long Hospital, music shops, Bedrock Restaurant in Burlington NC, West Lafayette Community schools for 18 years, and then later retired from Four Guns in Lafayette. Mark always believed that loyalty and dedication were demonstrated by high quality individuals. He learned this from his Dad and from his uncles.

Mark married Mary Elizabeth Nine on May 22, 1999 at Cedar Rock Park in NC. They remained best friends and soulmates throughout their marriage.  On June 10, 2011 Mark and Mary Beth welcomed their daughter, Isabella Hampton "Izzy". Izzy and Mark spoke the same language from the time she was born. They enjoyed music, movies, talking, doing adventure sports and cooking together. Mark's humor and love will continue to be seen in Izzy, his greatest love.

Mark attended and played music at the Battle Ground United Methodist Church. As a child he attended churches in the midwest and North Carolina. He enjoyed all forms of acoustic and bluegrass music.  In his free time Mark enjoyed all things firearms related, studying music, riding bikes, working out, and spending time with his family, friends, and his dogs/cats.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents (Charles and Helen Knoblett & Lyle and Marliyn Boyd), his dad (Rev. Robert Boyd), his brother (Micheal Boyd), his sister in law (Lauralee Boyd) and several aunts and uncles all who meant so much to Mark.

He is survived by his mother Bernice Boyd, wife Mary Beth and daughter Izzy, his blonde lab Gracey Mae, his siblings: Susan (Dennis) Brady, John Boyd and Mathew Boyd, his in-laws, whom he considered his second set of parents, Archie and Karen Nine.  Nieces and nephews; Becky Brown, John Brown, Jessica Tharp, Miranda Calandro, Tony Calanadro, Brandon Boyd, Micheal Tharp, Racheal Alegria, Charles Boyd, Josh Solomon, Corwin Boyd, Jenna Boyd, Carson Boyd, Jamie Boyd, DJ Blackford, Dayonna Murdock, Aaron Murdock, Donnie Blackford, Danielle Clements, and many great nieces and nephews and their families. His brothers and sisters in laws; Joe Nine, Bethanne Nine, Shelley Brady, Donna Brittain, Micheal Brady, Dennis Brady and their families. Uncles and Aunts; Larry Boyd, Jerry Boyd, Richard Boyd, Betty Boyd. Cousins including David and Rebecca Boyd as well as many others, dear friends Scott Greeson & others.

At the end of his life ALS decided the way in which Mark would die but he decided how he would live, every minute to the fullest, and every drink till it was empty.

Mark's family will receive guests 12:30 – 3:30 PM Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the Battle Ground United Methodist Church (201 Tipton St.). A memorial service will follow in the church at 3:30 PM with Pastor Sheri Rohrer officiating. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Isabella Boyd's college fund in care of Purdue Employees' Credit Union or the Gleason foundation, envelopes will be available at the church. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Mark's family.  Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a condolence.