Mark Lynn Smires

Services for Mr. Mark Lynn Smires, 61, of Kilgore will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore with Reverend Scott Brown officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Pirtle Cemetery, in Rusk County. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from six until eight o’clock in the evening at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore for visitation. Mark completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home in Kilgore.

Mark was born on September 16, 1962, in Overton, Texas. He was the oldest son of Kay Smires and the late Jim Smires. As a boy, Mark rarely made it home before the streetlights came on; although, he could always be found punting a football in the street or at the field preparing for his next “Punt, Pass and Kick” competition. He started school at Overton Elementary and graduated in 1980 from Kilgore High School, where he was an all-district quarterback/Punter for the Bulldogs football team. After high school, Mark played two years of football, and was a junior college All American for the Kilgore College Rangers. Later completing his education at the University of Texas at Arlington where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics. Using his degree, combined with his genuine warmth and deep affinity for all people, Mark worked for 16 years as a stockbroker for Smith Barney. Hanging up the suit and tie, Mark and his father Jim Smires began Smires inc., where he worked in the oilfield for the remainder of his life. Mark was an avid outdoorsman, a sports enthusiast, and was highly involved in coaching youth sports throughout his adult life. Mark was a natural leader and enjoyed helping young athletes transition into young adults, staying in touch with many of them until his final days. Mark had a deep personal relationship with Christ, being saved and baptized at the age of 6 in Overton, Texas, prioritizing his faith heavily in the later years of his life. He was a loving protector of many and was always willing to fight for those that were unable to fight for themselves. His love for his daughters, family, friends, and employees had no limits. His generosity, selflessness, loyalty, and compassion will be missed by all who knew him.

Mark is survived by his mother, Kay Smires of Kilgore; brother, Mike Smires of Kilgore; sister, Sissy Smires and husband Jim of Kilgore; daughters, Quincee Smires, Hallie Smires, and Kate Smires; along with cousins, nephews, nieces, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Smires.

Mark would want everyone to remember the children in-need during the holidays. Memorial donations may be given in lieu of flowers to any organization whose mission statement is making a child in-need Christmas magical. Examples include St. Jude Children’s Hospital, One Simple Wish, Toys for Tots, and Operation Christmas Child.

Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com