Mark Anthony Wathen, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Mark Anthony Wathen Sr. announce his passing. He died on November 15, 2022, at his home in Welcome, Maryland at the age of 63.

Mark was born on January 12, 1959, in La Plata Maryland to the late Dorothy Rose Wathen and Bernard Franklin Wathen Sr. He grew up on a farm where he learned the importance of family and hard work at an early age.

He married Sandy, the love of his life, on November 24, 1978. They were blessed with two sons, Mark Jr. and Frank. He was a dedicated father to his boys and raised them with love and patience. He taught them how to fish, hunt and play music. He often took his family on camping trips in the summertime. His passion for the outdoors and enjoying the fruits of life set an example for his sons to follow.

Mark worked for Glatfelter for more than 25 years. He later moved on to work for the Charles County Government where he retired in 2017. Mark loved spending quality time with family and friends. He had a kind heart with a great sense of humor to go along with it. His laugh was cheerful and he could bring a genuine sense of happiness to any room.

He enjoyed fishing, caring for animals and gardening. He grew squash, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers every summer. He found delight in watching wild birds and made sure they always had seed in their feeders. In addition to his outdoor hobbies, he loved music. Playing his Epiphone Gibson guitar was one of his favorite pastimes. He cherished getting together with his friends and family every Wednesday to sing and play music.

Mark is survived by his wife Sandy (Sandra) L. Wathen of 44 years; his sons Mark Wathen Jr. (Rebecca Wathen) and Frank M. Wathen; his grandson Sterling M. Wathen; his sisters Doris Gabbert, Linda Ritcher, Mary Ellen Garner, Bertie Spalding and his brother Ricky Quade. He is proceeded in death by his mother, father, brother (Bernie Wathen Jr.), sister (Cindy Robertson) and his best friend Willie Posey.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday November 22, 2022 from 10 AM until service time at 12 Noon at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home (211 St. Mary’s Ave. LaPlata, MD 20646). Interment will be at a later date.

Please join the family at the Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad for a repast after the services.

Memorial donations if you wish may be made to the Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 409 Port Tobacco, MD 20677).

Online condolences may be made to the family at arehartechols.com

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