Mark Edward Strait

1954 - 2024

Mark Edward Strait, 70, of Widnoon (Chickasaw), Armstrong County, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 after a long, hard battle with cancer.

Born on September 4, 1954 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John W. Strait and Madeline K. (Marks) Strait of West Mifflin, formerly of Huntingdon County.

Mark was a graduate of West Mifflin South, Class of 1973.

He spent his entire career in the automotive industry working for various dealerships as an auto body technician until his retirement.

Mark was a life member of the Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department in North Huntingdon, and served as both chief and president before moving north to fulfill his dream of building his own home in the country.

Mark loved a good laugh and good conversation. He was a hardworking, honest person who was not afraid to speak his mind, and he never backed down from what he thought was true and right. Later in life we would call it "giving someone a dose of MKS," as he got this quality honest from his mother who once slapped a State Trooper across the face for suggesting that Mark was lying about a traffic incident (he never saw it coming).

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Marsha (Horsman) Strait; son, Nathan Strait and wife, Ashley, also of Widnoon (Chickasaw); and four grandchildren, Ady, Zailya, Bennett and Silvia who adored him and will miss him dearly.

Mark was preceded in death by his brother, John W. Strait Jr.; sister-in-law, Lois (Ron) Strait; and brother-in-law, Denny Whitcomb.

Surviving are his siblings, Ronald Strait of Elizabeth, Cheri Kay Whitcomb of Bethel Park, Carol (Bill) Shaffer of Ohio and Kim Kimak-Oates.

Mark was also the best cat daddy to fur babies, Diesel, Sammy, Susie and Little Girl who took turns sleeping on his lap during afternoon naps.

Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, located at 176 Clay Pike in North Huntingdon, on Friday, December 13, from 2 to 7 p.m., and also at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, located at 758 Main Street in Rimersburg on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2 to 5 p.m., with a blessing service at 5 p.m.