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Mark Steven Makemson passed away on January 6, 2026 at his home in Mt. Carmel, TN. He was born on February 16, 1960, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to Donald Dee Makemson and Virginia Mae (DeLaura) Makemson. During his childhood, Mark lived in Richardson, Texas, and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In July of 1968, his father passed unexpectedly. Following this loss, his mother returned with Mark to her hometown of Wautoma, Wisconsin, where he was raised. Mark married Anna Marie “Amy” Makemson on October 14, 1989. They shared more than three decades of marriage and made their home together in several states, finally residing in the Kingsport, Tennessee area.
Mark graduated from Wautoma High School in 1978. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Mark devoted his professional life to engineering, working more than three decades in product development and design. He spent 21 years in the major appliance industry, beginning his career with Speed Queen Washers & Dryers in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (1983–1987). He then worked as a Lead Engineer for White Consolidated Industries in Dalton, Georgia (1987–1991), followed by roles with the Whirlpool Corporation in Refrigeration Technology in Evansville, Indiana (1991–1997). He later served as Senior Engineer with Whirlpool’s KitchenAid Division in Greenville, Ohio (2006–2012).
In 2012, Mark moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, and began work with Tempur-Pedic (Tempur Sealy International) in Duffield, Virginia, where he served as a Global Product Engineer for 13 years, retiring in 2023.
He was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Kingsport, Tennessee. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool, watching sports, listening to music, and spending time with family and close friends. During his high school years, Mark achieved the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, an honor attained by only a few in his hometown, while also graduating as an honor student at the top of his class.
Mark was preceded in death by his father in July 1968, his stepfather in July 1975, his mother in May 2022, and his grandparents.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Marie “Amy” Makemson, of the home; his brother, Dean Michael Makemson (Elizabeth) and their children, all of Western Wisconsin, Haley Kiutukcief (Kyril) and children Leo and Luca Lubs and Hudson Kiutukcief, and Ella, Jack, and Marshall Makemson. He is also survived by his extended family through marriage, including his sister-in-law, Mary Margaret “Marty” Ternasky and Dale Holcomb of Amsterdam, Ohio; brother-in-law, John Daniel Ternasky (Barbara) of Russells Point, Ohio, and their children, Kelly (Alex) Lemieux of Boston, Massachusetts, Anastacia Ternasky of Seattle, Washington, Lisa (Tyler) Rose of New Bremen, Ohio; and Ashley (John) Prenger and daughter Ava of Minster, Ohio. He is further survived by brother-in-law, Robert Michael Ternasky (Charlene) of Toronto, Ohio, and their children, Jeremy and his children, Denna and Lincoln Ternasky, and John (Angel) and Cayson, Kaylee and Ella Ternasky.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Dominic Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. with Father Michael Cummins officiating. A committal service will follow at the St. Dominic Catholic Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mark's name can be made to:
St. Dominic Catholic Church - 2517 N. John B. Dennis Hwy. Kingsport, TN 37660
Ballad Health Cancer Center - 2202 N. John B. Dennis Hwy. #100 Kingsport, TN 37660
Amedisys Hospice - 2025 Meadowview Parkway #101 Kingsport, TN 37660
The Bridge Home No-Kill Animal Rescue - 2061 Hwy 75 Blountville, TN 37617.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
117 E. Charlemont Avenue PO Box 27, Kingsport, TN 37662

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