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Mark Womack Obituary
Mark was one of the most beloved and admired luthiers in the United States. His instruments are typically powerful and rich, with a full palette of colors and response. Mark received numerous tone awards for his violins and violas including four silver medals from the Violin Society of America. The last award Mark won was for playability in the 2012 Art of Sound Violinmaking Competition. In 2007 Mark was invited to join the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers at the invitation of other federation members.
A memorial service featuring instruments made by Mark will be held on Monday, April 24th, 2023 at 1:30pm ET at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (418 E 34th Street) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Livestream available at www.amshalom.com/livestream
Shiva will take place at Am Shalom (840 Vernon Avenue) in Glencoe, Illinois on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 from 4-8pm CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mark Womack Memorial Fund at Am Shalom. https://www.amshalom.com/payment.php
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Bill Scott Jr
May 3, 2025
Dear Family,
I want you to know that I often think of Mark with fond memories and miss his presence in the violin making community. He was a friend and colleague for many decades whose work I admired and whose company I thoroughly enjoyed. I wish I had some photos of the times we spent together.
Sincerely,
Bill
Bill Scott
April 14, 2024
Among other memories, I always looked forward to seeing Mark at VSA competitions and conventions. His instruments were always an inspiration and hanging out with him at a restaurant or hotel bar was such a pleasure. My admiration of his work will always keep me motivated and the memory of our times together leaves me with a smile. So sorry he´s gone! May you rest in peace Mark.
George Brock
April 14, 2024
I met Mark in the mid 90's when I was in the market for an affordable high quality violin. He had just made Ginny a new violin and I purchased the one she had been playing. over the years I got to know Mark as he maintained my treasured violin. Mark became a good friend and I miss his creativity and wry sense of humor.
Denny Henderson
May 2, 2023
Mark T. Womack was instantly a friend when we met in 1981 fall semester at Indiana University. We were both enrolled in the string instrument repair and restoration program at the IU school of music. After graduation he went to Memphis where he met his wife Ginny who turned out to be his guardian angel.
He joined me at a violin shop in Indianapolis for about 3 years. He won several tone awards at the Violin Society of America competitions after dedicating himself to his own shop in his home. We´ve kept in touch over the years and I was certainly upset to see him having serious difficulties. I have many memories of times at work and sometimes social events.
I am sure many people will experience joy when they play and listen to the music made by the instruments he made.
Rest in peace my friend.
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George Brock
April 24, 2023
I was honored to own and play one of his violins. he was a true gentle man who will be missed.
Sharon Posey
April 24, 2023
I will fondly remember Mark and Ann as children growing up with my children. We all had many picnics and home visits. So wonderful that Mark became such a distinguished and famous craftsman. So very sad he left us so young. Love to all his family.
Renita Koven
April 23, 2023
Mark made me a wonderful viola in 1992 which I played professionally for almost three decades. He was a brilliant craftsman and a special friend. May his memory be a blessing to his family and dear ones. Shalom
Margot Aldcroft
April 23, 2023
Mark made a beautiful viola for me in 1994. It's been a real treasure and has given me years of joyful music making. RIP dear Mark. Warmest regards and prayers to his family.
Janet L Brittle
April 21, 2023
I will always treasure the viola Mark made especially for me, a custom copy of one I played. His workmanship was beautiful, and he was always happy to tinker with the sound, trying to improve his work. He was delightful to work with, and just fun to be around. The world has lost a special and talented guy. May you find peace in all the loving memories of him.
Keith Davis
April 21, 2023
As a beginning maker, Mark was one of the fellows I looked up to. He went beyond Casa del Sol Violins, Ltd to create instruments, and musical happiness, which will carry on for centuries.
Paula Elam
April 21, 2023
Ginny & Julie, my sincere sympathy for your great loss. May the love of family & friends surround you in this sad time. I wish I had met Mark. Loving thoughts & prayers for your peace & healing.
Dorian Barnes
April 21, 2023
One of my favorite memories is when Mark and I went to the VSA competition in 1998. I had enterd my first violin. After the competition, he pointed out a wel know maker and said get his feedback. So I asked if he would critique my violin. Of course there were things he pointed out. When he was done, Mark said "It's his first". The maker said "oh, it's your first competition?" I said yes. Then Mark said "It's his first violin too!" the maker handed back the violin and said "I hate people like you. laughing"
It reminds me that Mark always put you out front and made sure you got the credit and recognition. He never tried to keep it for himself.
Mark was a true and loyal friend.
Julia
April 21, 2023
I wanted a five string viola around 2008. My stand partner in the Carmel Symphony-Barb Jeffries- owned a Womack viola and guided me to contact Mark. I met with him in his home. I was young and poor back then with big dreams. I asked, "how much" and after some thought, he said "$21,000."
Being poor, my face spoke first with a bit of disbelief and Mark came back quickly and said, "after all, it IS two instruments"!
I will never forget our conversation or his calm, dry wit. Now, I want all his violas!
Caroline Smith
April 20, 2023
Praying for y´all during this time and the days ahead.
Bonnie Glass
April 20, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Mark´s passing! During the time I knew Mark, I remember one special thing about him is that he used music to connect with others. Joy and love was expressed when he played violin or sang along to a great rock song! I´ll never hear Don´t Stop Believing by Journey and not remember Mark. He truly lit up during these moments and that happiness was contagious! Ginny, you are a very special person! Thank you for sharing your talent and love of music with us as well! May his memory be a blessing!
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