Mark A. Himes

Palmer, MA- Mark A. Himes passed away and was Promoted to Glory after a long and courageous battle with his health on February 9, 2026. He was born June 7, 1961 in Holyoke, MA, son of Richard Himes and Judith (Coffman) Himes. He graduated high school in 1979 from Danbury High School in Danbury, CT. In the fall of 1980, Mark met his soulmate and partner for the remainder of his life, Sharon Pugh. Mark and Sharon knew from their first moments together that they were intended for each other by God and were engaged December 19, 1980. Together, they entered The Salvation Army School for Officer's Training in 1981 and were a part of the Heralds of Hope session, graduating in June of 1983. Immediately following completion of Training, Mark and Sharon were married on June 18, 1983.

Mark and Sharon were blessed to be partners in ministry in The Salvation Army for nearly 30 years, beginning with their first assignment to New Rochelle, NY. Mark continued in ministry as Corps Officer in many assignments, including Staten Island NY, Syracuse NY, Fulton NY, Rochester NY, Buffalo (westside), NY, Utica NY, Wellsville NY, Worcester (Quinsigamond) MA, and Framingham MA. His final assignment was at the Wonderland Conference Center as Assistant to Wonderland Conference Director prior to medical retirement from The Salvation Army in 2009.

Mark's dedication to his ministry didn't end with his retirement, although it changed in its capacity. As Mark faced health struggles in his remaining years, he found ways to continue to be a living testimony to those whose lives he touched in any way he found called. Mark continued to be a leader, a counselor, a preacher and teacher until his very last days. Mark was not only a man of service to Christ but a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Judith. Mark is survived by his wife, Sharon Himes, of 42 years and their children, Melissa (Himes) Carrion, Eric Himes, and Kara (Himes) Brummert, as well as his grandson, Jack Mahan. He is also survived by his brother, R. Michael Himes and his sister Ruth Ann (Himes) Stoneburner, as well as extended family, chosen family, and friends. He was incredibly loved and will be missed by many.

Mark's funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28th, at 10 AM until 12 PM at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home. Family and friends are welcome to arrive at 9:45 AM. A private burial will be held at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Ware, MA following the public service, where Mark will be laid to rest awaiting resurrection.

Mark's life was lived in embodiment of the love of Christ. He considered the love and forgiveness of God his greatest gift and spent his life freely and cheerfully sharing it with others. His legacy will continue in the lives of those who remain, with whom he shared God's grace because it was first given to him.