Mark H. Ambler

Mark H. Ambler, age 65, of Clarendon Township, died at his home on Saturday night, November 25, 2012 after being stricken unexpectedly. Mark was born on July 21, 1947 in Albion to Hugh and Dorthea (Hamilton) Ambler. He has lived in the Homer area all of his life and was a member of the 1966 Homer High School graduating class. Mark entered the U.S. Army in 1968. He served in Viet Nam where he was wounded. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in April of 1970 after attaining the rank of Sergeant. After his return from the war, Mark worked at several jobs including Albion Malleable and Harvard in Litchfield. In 1981, he began his career as a Corrections Officer for the State of Michigan. He first served at the former Dunes Correctional Facility in Holland and later transferred to Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater from where he retired in 2009 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was a skilled marksman and was a member of Lakeland Correctional Facility's Competitive Shooting Team. Yearly they competed with law enforcement officials of all agencies in a state wide competition held in Jackson. Mark was married to Cathi Riker in 1978. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1997. He was a member of the NRA. Mark's children and all family were his main priority in life, which shows in his children today. He loved to read and was a frequent visitor to the Homer Public Library. He loved all his pets and doted on them. Mark's favorite spot to travel to was Isle Royal State Park where he enjoyed many visits. He is survived by his children, William T. Ambler and Joseph M. Ambler both of Clarendon Township, and Catherine E. Ambler of Marshall, his granddaughter Lillian Joanne Rose Ambler, his sisters Sharon Peterson of Arizona and Patricia (Leland) Putnam of Albion, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Homer on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 2PM. Military honors will be conducted by the Homer VFW Post. A celebration of Mark's life, as he asked for, will be held at the Homer VFW Hall following the services. Arrangements are by Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Homer Public Library, c/o Craig Kempf Funeral Home, P.O. Box 519, Marshall, MI 49068 with checks made out to Homer Public Library. To sign the on line guest register and leave a message for Mark's family visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.