Mark Thomas Magan

Mark Magan, 50, Gentle Husband, Favorite Uncle, Gifted Woodworker
NEWBURGH, Ind. - Mark Thomas Magan, a woodworking artist, Eagle Scout, and longtime devotee of bluegrass music, died in his sleep on the morning of March 20 while visiting his father. He was 50.
Mark, a Mexico Beach, Fla. resident, was known among friends and family for his steady presence, wry sense of humor and quiet ability to make life better for those around him. A native of southern Indiana, he previously lived in Evansville, Plainfield and Huntingburg.
He held a wide range of jobs throughout his life - from an adjunct Art teacher at the University of Southern Indiana, to a gardener at the Indianapolis Museum of Art /Newfields and the Christel DeHaan Estate, to operating forklifts and, most recently, fitness center manager. Mark worked wherever people needed someone dependable. He showed up, got the job done, and treated everyone he met with empathy.
He married Shannon Fischer in 2009. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, concerts, traveling, and loving and spoiling their dogs Kenzi, Sophia, Bailey, and Piper.
Mark was also a lifelong lover of folk, bluegrass, country and classic rock. He often played his music while working or simply sitting with a dog in his lap and his feet in the sand. His love of storytelling carried into his work as a sculptor, building delightfully crooked wooden houses that invited curiosity and smiles.
As a sports fan, he followed Indiana Hoosiers and Butler Bulldogs basketball, the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears. Win or lose, they were his teams.
Born in 1974, Mark's imagination first bloomed in childhood when he and his brother turned their backyard - and occasionally the pool at the Evansville Country Club - into the setting for elaborate Star Wars battles. He became a dedicated outdoorsman, achieving Eagle Scout and completing multiple treks through Philmont Scout Ranch. He loved fishing, camping, and the occasional deer or turkey hunt.
Mark graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1994, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Southern Indiana in 1999, and completed a Master of Fine Arts in woodworking from Indiana State University in 2002.
Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Karen Magan, and his grandparents, Arthur and Marjorie Donovan and Edward and Olivia Magan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Mike Magan, his father, Tom Magan, three nephews, five nieces, and three great nieces.
He will be cremated, and his ashes spread in places that held meaning to him. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and reminisce.