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Donald Marks Obituary
Donald Ariel Marks, 59, of Emmaus, passed on to the Lord in St. Lukes Hospital, Allentown, on March 27, 2008, with his loved ones surrounding him. He died as a result of a massive stroke. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Ariel and Madeline (Schaup) Marks. Don graduated from Emmaus High School. He was a member of Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, Emmaus. He was employed by Stanley Vidmar for many years. He left there to work at Mack Trucks, where he worked the shears and punch presses. He worked part time for Girls and Guys at Work and most recently, Emmaus Auto Parts. Since 1985, Don was self employed as a photographer, specializing in auto racing photography. He was the track photographer for Grandview Speedway since 1984. He worked his way up in photography to be published in many well known auto racing papers and magazines, winning many awards for his photos, he was presented with a star with his name on the Walk of Fame at Grandview Speedway. He is a member of the Eastern Motorsports Press Association and the Emmaus Fire Company 2,, and was a lifetime member of the Checkered Flag Fan Club. Survivors: Son, Christopher and his fiance Shelly Leshko, both of Whitehall; Dons fiance, Lisa Binder of Emmaus; grandsons, Christian, Johnathan; granddaughter, Nicole; his former wife, Cheryl Marks, and her mother, Evelyn Smith, all of Whitehall. Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th & Hamilton Sts., Allentown. Call 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home. Interment in Northwood Cemetery, Emmaus.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Marks
Sheila Yudt-Gower
April 7, 2008
Chris,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Deepest sympathies,
Casey and Christine...Creyer Racing...
April 3, 2008
Sorry to hear of the passing of Donald....our condolences to his family.....keep those memories of Donald near and dear to your heart for that is what will help get you through this most difficult time.....
Mark Garman
April 1, 2008
A great man gone way too early. White high top sneakers, shorts, colorful tank top, infectious laugh, it's true Grandview will never be the same. For probably the first time I am not looking forward to opening night. Don was loved by all and is missed by all.
Stefanie (Deisher) Emes
April 1, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. I will always remember Donnie wearing fluorescent clothing (long after it was cool) & the countless times he smiled and rolled his eyes at Net and myself hanging out with Chris at the photo stand. May you cherish the experiences and photos of your time with Donnie!
Harry and Jane Cella
April 1, 2008
To the Marks Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences. We will have many fond memories of Don. We knew him as a well known and talented auto racing photographer with a big heart and warm smile, and was a real gentleman and a pleasure to know. Rest in peace Don, you will be greatly missed.
Dolores Deisher
April 1, 2008
Don will be greatly missed by all. He was a excellent photographer. Lisa stay strong. God Bless You
Earl Krause
April 1, 2008
Don,
Thanks for all that you did for the racers, Grandview Speedway and for Area Auto Racing News.
You were a great friend to all of us, and will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Earl Krause - Area Auto Racing News, Trenton, NJ
Jennifer Fargione (Williams)
April 1, 2008
You will be missed.
lorraine MASTRONARDO
April 1, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Mike Kelly
March 31, 2008
God speed my friend.
John Zettle
March 31, 2008
Chris,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family.
My deepest symphathy,
Missie Lawall
March 31, 2008
Chris and Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Jim Eck and Michele (Piovesan) Eck
March 31, 2008
Chris and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
jim donnelly
March 31, 2008
To the Marks family:
Don was both a gifted photographer and a truly great guy who gave of himself cheerfully. He will be treatly missed. Jim Donnelly, Hemmings Motor News.
Virginia Cougle
March 31, 2008
The Marks Family' Sorry to read about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Please accept our condolences.We were neighbors a long time.The Cougle Family & Don Misera
BOB PERRAN
March 31, 2008
LISA, DON AND I GO WAY BACK TO THE 70s.I CONSIDERED HIM A CLOSE FRIEND . HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.
BOB
Leroy & Dorenda & Nicholas Bogert
March 30, 2008
Don was alway's one of the good guys. I went to his house 20 years ago and asked him to help me get started in racing photography. Ciddi Cinnilli was the person that sent me to Don and said he would give all the info I would need. I banged on his door and guess what he was eating, he said hold on I will be right back, he came made room for me at the table, 2 hrs later I left with 2 fool pages of information. I always dreamed that one day my racing photos would be as good as yours and Mel Stetler. Rest in peace Don Marks
Jim & Patty Bartik
March 30, 2008
Dear Lisa,
So sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. Don will be deeply missed. You are in a thoughts & prayers.
Umbenhauer Racing
March 30, 2008
Lisa,
Deepest sympathy to you and the family,our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Umbenhauer Families
Laurel & Bill Rowe
March 30, 2008
Lisa, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. Don will be greatly missed. We all had some wonderful times together. Treasure all the memories of your time together. Love, Laurel & Bill
Kirsten Snyder
March 30, 2008
Everyone in the Don Marks family,
I'm sorry for your lose Don was a awesome guy and a awesome photographer he will be missed by many and will always be in our hearts.
Keith Leinbach
March 30, 2008
Lisa,
You and Donnie's family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Bill Nuver
March 30, 2008
Don and I have been photo buddies since the 70s. A big void has occurred in racing with his passing. Grandview will not be the same without him. My deepest sympathy to Lisa and the Marks family.
carol williams
March 30, 2008
Cheryl and Chris, i'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Donny was more then a friend, he was a father figure,brother, and family.i will truly miss him. with love on behalf of the Williams family & and all the people from Girls at Work. Linda,Carol,Nancy,Penny,Tommy, and Mom Williams
March 29, 2008
To all who have made the effort and taken the time to leave Donnie a message, the Marks family thanks you for the bottom of our hearts.
May God Bless all of you. We now have an angel on our side.
Cheryl Marks
March 29, 2008
Donnie, you were my first love. We go back along time, even before you graduated. Your green eyes and black eyelashes blew my away. I am happy that I married you, we had our son and grandchildren. Even after you left me, you took care of me, made sure things got done and guided me and the family.
You, my best friend, will be missed for the rest of our lives. There is no one who will understand me, or who will be able to tell me how to find a place I need to go to.
My love to you as you gather with the angles and learn the ways of God.
Remember me, I will remember you
Cher
Tony & Meg Mando
March 29, 2008
Dear Lisa,
It broke our hearts to hear that Don had passed on so suddenly. He was really one of the good guys! We never saw him angry, he was always easy to laugh with, anyone could count on him for help. We hope time can help repair your broken heart...Remember the fun & laughs. There will always be a warm spot in our hearts for you & him. We will pray for both of you. God Bless You all!
Jennifer Loefgren
March 29, 2008
To Chris and his family, Cher, and all loved ones... I grew up around the Marks' family and always remember alot of laughter, fun, and goofing off. That is the way I will remember Don. Sorry to you all for this sudden and unexpected loss. You are all in my thoughts....
Bill Bush
March 29, 2008
To Lisa, Cheryl, Christopher, and all of Dons family. We just never know when it will be our turn, who’s next in line for eternal life. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who was as lucky enough as I was to share many good times and laugh’s with Don. I have a lifetime of memories that always put a smile on my face each time I think of him. It is a time of great sorrow for us all but it is also time to celebrate the life of a great man. God bless you Don, may you rest in peace. You will live forever in my heart and sole.
Bill Bush
Chris Shuey
March 29, 2008
Don will be missed. He was a first class individual of which I had the pleasure to know. Our deepest sympathies are with Don's family.
Chris and Sherry Budihas
March 29, 2008
As one of the youngest racing photographers among us , I can say that I appreciated everything that I had learned from Don. I remember standing in his kitchen and getting some advice on what to buy and saying one day, do you want to go to the races with me? Don slept, I drove and then I got a lesson in life... don't stop for gas and leave Don in the car with our other buddy Mel, I came out started the car and nothing didn't go off or buzz, or blare or work the same way that I had left it. I can say it was always fun to be the young guy, many of my photographer friends could be my parent for the age gap that is there. I thank Don for showing me a lot over 20 years. He and I just stood together and accepted awards side by side at EMPA in January and turned to congratulate each other,funny enough Mel won as well. For this young man that was the coolest thing you could imagine to stand amongst you and be recognized. Farewell my friend, you will be missed but the memories will forever remain with me. My condolences go out to the entire Marks family and Lisa.
Todd Lewis
March 28, 2008
Lisa,
I can only claim to have been to Grandview once . But my exposure to Don's work is known, He shot at East Windsor where I spent many nights . My albums have many of his photos in them and I will forever be grateful to you and all of Don's family for sharing him with the racing community. God Speed Don and THANK YOU for all you did for racing
Barry, Cindy, Lee Schantzenbach
March 28, 2008
Don. Thanks for all the good times from grade school to,graduation and all the photos of Lee racing. All of us guys are still going to our 40 th" class reunion like we talked about 2 weeks ago! You are family like lisa and will be sadly missed.
Joe Macfarlan
March 28, 2008
Don's magnificent racing photos have provided great joy for so many through the years and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Our condolences go out to the Marks Family,
Joe Macfarlan and Family
3 Wide's Picture Vault
Ray DeLabar
March 28, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss, Don will be missed greatly. Ray and Jodi DeLabar
JUDY & BOB ENGLEBACH
March 28, 2008
DEAR LISA,
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and Don's Family! WHAT a SHOCK! It really makes you think how
PRECIOUS life really is! It can be taken away so quickly! We will all miss Don and his Smile.....but not near as much as you will! If you need anything give us a call!
Your Friends, JUDY & BOB
Jennifer Bachman
March 28, 2008
To Lisa, Cheryl and family,
May the strength of the Lord be with you during the rough days ahead. Don was truly a gift to all who knew him. His talent behind the camera and his contagious smile will be missed. May he be at peace.
Lester, Mary and Emily Potts
March 28, 2008
Our deepest symapthies are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
The ONE crew & The girls at the pit ticket trailer
March 28, 2008
Lisa & Family,
Our prayers go out to you during your time of sorrow. Don was such a sweet man. We will miss him deeply at Grandview, and all other racing tracks. We were blessed to have been able to call Don a friend.
May God Bless you and your family.
Joe and Melanie Tatasciore
March 28, 2008
Dear Lisa, Me and Joe were shocked to find out about Donnie"s passing. I too am grieving my fathers obituary was on the opposite page as Donnie"s. Who would have ever thought that. You guys were an awesome couple and so much fun . We loved hanging out with you guys. I always remember at the end of my bar shift you guys counting my tips for me! Donnie thought the world of you ! you were so lucky to have him. We love you and will miss him.
Larry Shaw
March 28, 2008
It's not only hard to say good bye to a GREAT person, but also a WONDERFUL neighbor. YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
Mark Krammes
March 28, 2008
To Lisa, Cheryl, Christopher, and all of Dons family, I share the sorrow and pain you are all going through. Don was my best friend in the auto racing world. He taught me many things in the world of photography. He also made me laugh, as I did to him many times we would be together. Don as well as his family always made me feel welcome whenever I came around. I will NEVER forget you Don. I am still numb from the sting of all of this. It's going to be hard for me to go to a track, and instead of catching up with you, never seeing you again. From now on, any photograph I take, will be in Dons memory. I love you Don, and I miss you so much already. RIP my "ole buddy"
Christopher & Amy Noble
March 28, 2008
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Don throughout this difficult time. All that knew him were certainly privileged to know such a good man.
Mike Wambaugh
March 28, 2008
Lisa,
Our prayers are with you and Donnie's family.
Mike & Joyce
Amber Rackawack
March 28, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest symphathy,
Kenny, Karl, and Amber
David and Bernice Leach
March 28, 2008
A dear friend lost.
Dean & Rochelle Bachman
March 28, 2008
Don was a genuine great person, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ralph Richards, Jr.
March 28, 2008
The racing community lost a great photographer and friend. May god bless his family and friends.
Bob & Peg Higginbotham
March 28, 2008
We will both miss you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Wilt
March 28, 2008
OMg i cant believe he's gone!!! we were just all together at the mall at the race show having a good time and now he's gone like nothing. He will be missed very much.. Rest in peace don..That goes to show you that the person you love or no could be gone in no time!! Grandview wont be nothing without you.. Stay strong lisa and his whole family my thoughts and prayers are with you. My dad was really close to don.So its going to be so hard to go to grandview and not see him there!! i just can't get over that he's gone!! It came out of no where and im sure there will be many people there to say there last good byes. REST IN PEACE DON!!!!!! WE MISS YOU!!!!!
Lori Penetar
March 28, 2008
Chris and family,
May the memories you have of your father/grandfather help you in this time of sorrow. It is so sad when someone so young leaves us so suddenly, but know in your heart that he is in a better place.
Cliff Quinn
March 28, 2008
With deepest sympathy; Don will be missed. Cliff & Ginny Quinn
Joan Weil
March 28, 2008
My deepest symphany is with you and your family.
Joan Weil (118 & 117 Race Team)
Amber Rackawack
March 28, 2008
Our deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kenny, Karl & Amber
Henry & Sue Wilt
March 28, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to lisa and the marks family ! Don will always be remembered and never forgotten !
RIP don ! God Speed !
Tammy & Glenn Strunk
March 28, 2008
With our deepest sympathy.
Renae Rzonca
March 28, 2008
Lisa,
Words cannot express how much sorrow I feel for you. I know how much you guys loved each other. It was evident every time Donnie looked at you. The last time I saw him was at your mom & dad's annual Christmas Eve open house. I will treasure the photos he took of Chris during his racing years at Big Diamond and Grandview. Donnie always had a smile on his face and how he loved our chocolate cake! I still can't get over him having three pieces at Chris' wedding in October. Know that he's still photographing all those racers in Heaven -- the great ones like himself who have passed on. We are family and we'll be there for you whenever you need us. We love you. I know this doesn't take away the hurt you are feeling now, but know that time does heal. Love always, Renae
Keith Cunningham
March 28, 2008
to a great guy,,,, I'll miss you
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