Mark Michael Vogt

Mark Michael Vogt, 74, passed away Thursday, July 31 in Lakeland, FL following a long illness. He was born on October 21, 1950 in Jacksonville, FL, to Edward and Mary Vogt. Mark is survived by his son Michael Vogt, sister Donna Clark, niece Deanna Torres (Jr) their children and grandchildren, nephew Ed Clark (Karen), many cousins and his ex-wife Debbie Vogt. He was a member of Southside Assembly of God in Lakeland. Mark served in the Royal Rangers and played on their softball team as a catcher, pitcher and then became the manager. He also became a member of the Inmate Encounters Softball team as their catcher and pitcher. At a young age, the family moved to California where he was a member of the Cub Scouts of America, he also played little league baseball as a pitcher, catcher and in the outfield. At 12 yrs old he held down a paper route for the LA Herald Examiner, 7 days a week for four years. He also bowled in the bantam, junior and adult leagues and even became a member of the Los Angeles All Star traveling bowling league. He once worked at Tropicana Lanes, as well as Bumbershoot restaurant flipping burgers and was a Pin Chaser at 3 additional bowling alleys. As he got older, he became a member of the Professional Coast Bowler's Association and even bowled in a few PBA regional tournaments on the west coast. Mark graduated Morningside HS in Inglewood Ca. in 1968. From 1974-1995 Mark successfully completed various trade school tech courses and seminars in Iowa, Ca, Michigan and Florida. At 19 yrs old Mark started as a journeyman mechanic at Knudsen Dairy Plant in Los Angeles. He then went on to work at Safeway Dairy Plant in City of Commerce, Ca. Additionally, over the years- held down multiple part time jobs repairing blow molding equipment. He retired from Publix Super Markets in 2013 where he began in 1990 as a Maintenance Mechanic in the dairy plant. His favorite Scripture verse was: Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4(HCSB) Those closest to him described him as: Quiet, gentle, kind, an avid learner, hard-working, considerate and generous. He loved Motown music, classic cars, comedy, baseball, bowling, and pasta. A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, August 23, 11:00 am at Southside Assembly of God, 4750 Cleveland Heights Blvd in Lakeland, FL with Pastor Rich Gorgone. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mark's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org Tributes to Mark can be made at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home website.