Mark Charles Merrell

Mark Charles Merrell, 63, of Sedalia, MO, formerly of the Kansas City area, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. Mark's unwavering faith guided him throughout his life, and he is now at peace with the Lord.

Born in North Kansas City, MO, Mark was the beloved son of Nadine (Carter) Merrell Satterfield and the late Ronald Merrell. He shared a deep bond with his family and cherished his role as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. On September 8, 2022, Mark married the love of his life, Mickey Beasley, in Kansas City, KS. Together, they enjoyed countless memorable moments attending concerts, sports events, and racing, their shared passions.

Mark had a vibrant career in motorsports and broadcasting. As an enthusiastic race car fan, he spent years as an announcer and interviewer, most notably working for MRN Radio where he had the honor of interviewing NASCAR drivers. He also co-hosted a NASCAR talk show on KMBZ Radio with Steve Parker and served as a sideline reporter for William Jewell College football games. For several years, Mark, Tim Crone, and Rick Cole were the radio/TV crew on the William Jewell College Sports Network football coverage. Most days, he was the sideline reporter, left to talk to coaches during a tough time in William Jewell's college football history and a play-by-play. Mark also was the backbone of our TV coverage of I-70 Speedway on Kansas City cable and broadcast TV in the early 2000s. Mark's voice resonated at Lakeside Speedway, I-35 Speedway, I-70 Speedway, and even the Missouri State Fair Speedway, where he had the privilege of announcing alongside Bob Libby. Mark also worked for the Division of Family Services for the state of Missouri, retiring after 29 years of service.

A multi-talented man, Mark contributed as a writer for *Speed Sport News*, a columnist for the *Kansas City Star*, and a contributor to *Sports Fitness* magazine. He was a television cameraman, a former musician, and a beloved presence at demolition derbies with J.D. Green. His lifelong passion for music also led him to perform in a band, participate in jam sessions, and sing karaoke with family and friends.

Mark's legacy lives on through his loving wife, Mickey, who resides in their home, and his cherished family: his mother Nadine Satterfield and her husband Harry of Dover, DE; his brother Matt Merrell and his wife JoVonda of Shawnee, KS; and his niece and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Ronald, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Steve Graff will officiate the ceremony. Mark's nephews and close friends-Aron Merrell, Noah Smith, Steve Cox, Bo Beasley, Rick Cole, and J.D. Green-will honor him as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in Mark's honor, entrusted to Rea Funeral Chapel.

Mark's love for life, family, and friends, coupled with his dedication to his passions, will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

The family will have a Celebration of Life event at a later date.