Mark Dixon Walz

PIKEVILLE - Mark Dixon Walz, 56, of Pikeville died Thu, Aug 27, 2009, after a four and one-half year battle against colon cancer. He died at the Pikeville Medical Center. He was born in Dundalk, MD, Aug 9, 1953, the son of the late Arthur and Beatrice Walz. Mark Walz grew up in a family the youngest of 6 boys. He came to Kentucky to attend Asbury College in 1971. While at Asbury, Mark answered the call to full time Christian ministry. After graduation, he became an associate minister at Park UMC in Lexington, KY where he served for 11 years. While there, he completed his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Seminary. Since his ordination in the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), he has served several church appointments including Vanceburg UMC, Mt. Hope UMC (Cynthiana), First UMC (Ashland), and First UMC (Prestonsburg). Mark also served 3 years in the Kentucky Council Office as director of the Kentucky Conference youth ministry and 10 years as chaplain at Pikeville Methodist Hospital (now Pikeville Medical Center). Mark was known for his creativity in presenting the Gospel. In worship, this may have included setting up a visual worship center, singing a solo, portraying a biblical character in costume, updating a Bible story to a modern setting so kids (and adults) can relate to it, and of course, adding humor. He created fellowship opportunities as a tool to draw people closer to Christ, whether he was cooking a gourmet meal for the church or leading interactive games or small groups. He constantly invited people to enlarge their worlds, recruiting groups for events such as Promise Keepers and short term mission trips. Many people can testify how their lives have been changed by going on a mission trip led by Mark. Perhaps Mark's greatest gift was his passion and true concern for everyone he meets to know the Lord or deepen their relationship with Him. So, whether a close friend or a total stranger, even a brief encounter with Mark was likely to lead to a word of prayer, an invitation to participate in a church activity, or encouragement in a time of need. People's lives were deeply touched by his caring and genuine concern. Mark's own life was deepened and enriched when he met and married his wife, Julie. They have served in partnership and ministry for over 22 years. Their marriage has been blessed with 5 children. Mark was a wonderful husband and involved father, investing much time emotionally and spiritually into the maturation of his children. He prayed that they grew in favor with God and man. He is survived by his wife, Julie Walz of Pikeville; five children, Mark Walz, Jr. of Grayson, Katie Walz of Pikeville, Michael Walz of Pikeville, Christine Walz of Pikeville, and Matthew Walz of Pikeville; one daughter-in-law, Randee Walz of Grayson; five brothers, Fredrick Walz of Lexington, Harvey Walz of Springfield, MO, Robert Walz of Mechanicsburg, PA, Donald Walz and Timothy Walz of MD. Funeral services will be held at 7pm on Sun, Aug 30, 2009 at the Pikeville United Methodist Church with Rev. Brad Smart, Dr. James C. Stratton, Rev. A Fredrick Walz and Rev. Charles H. Douglas officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 3-6pm in the church sanctuary. Graveside services will be held at 11am Mon, Aug 31, at the Winchester Cemetery. Family request expressions of sympathy made as donations to the education fund of Pikeville UMC for his five children. Arrangements were under the direction of J.W. Call Funeral Home.