Mark Anthony Hubbard

Mark Anthony Hubbard, 62, of Hector, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville. Mark, the son of Jack and Madelyn (Mulligan) Hubbard, was born on July 8, 1951, in Catskill, NY. He married Kathryn Suzanne Jones on March 20, 1976 at the Church of the Assumption in Atkins. On January 13, 1971 Mark received his orders to report for Armed Forces Physical Examination in Russellville Arkansas at 8:30AM on February 1, 1971. He voluntarily requested duty in Vietnam but was sent to Korea as a Military Policeman. Over the years of his service in the Army and Arkansas Army National Guard he accomplished many things and compiled a long list of stories. Shortly after returning from his deployment to Iraq in 2008 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mark retired a 1SG after thirty-nine years of service, effective November 1, 2010. The awards he received include five Army Commendation Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, nine Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, three National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, three Armed Forces Service Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, three Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the Combat Action Badge. He was most proud of his family, having raised four children, being a big brother, and a friend to all. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Russellville, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, a lifetime member of the Association of Marksman in the National Guard, and an avid member of the National Rifle Association. Mark spent his early childhood days raising cattle with his parents and siblings, which included along the way, the first Piedmontese calf born in the U.S. His father, Jack, later became the first active member of the Piedmontese Association of the United States. Mark enjoyed cattle ranching, raising horses, collecting guns and western memorabilia, but most of all, he loved spending time and sharing stories with his family.

Mark is preceded in death by his father Jack Hubbard of Gumlog. Survivors include his mother Madelyn Hubbard of Russellville; his loving wife of 38 years and 2 days Kathi Hubbard of Hector; four children, Amy Whitlow, and husband Troy of Russellville; Kit Hubbard and wife Brandi of Gumlog; Beci Martin and husband Lance of Fayetteville; Josh Hubbard and wife Ashley of Russellville; six grandchildren, Emma and Will Whitlow of Russellville; Madison and Marley Harper of Gumlog; Avarie and Grayson Martin of Fayetteville; eight siblings, Kim Hubbard and wife Eve of Russellville; Gwen Baker and husband Gary of Gumlog; Todd Hubbard and wife Alyce of Montrose, CO; Lee Hubbard of Gumlog; Jody Tullous of Mount Dora, FL; Ross Hubbard and wife BJ of Salida, CO; Jeannie Smith and husband Tim of Russellville; Glen Hubbard and wife Missy of Russellville; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A rosary prayer service will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 6:00 PM at St. John's Catholic Church in Russellville with visitation to follow. Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at St. John's Catholic Church in Russellville. Burial will be held at Bowden Cemetery in Pottsville with military honors. Father Ernie and Father Chuma will be officiating the services, coordinated by Humphrey Funeral Service.

Mark's wishes would be for everyone to be dressed in blue jeans, western shirts, and cowboy boots for his service, if you would like to do so. A memorial Dinner for Family, Friends, and everyone else who knew Mark will be held at the St. John's Parish Hall following the funeral service and burial.

Pallbearers will be his two sons, Kit Hubbard and Josh Hubbard, and five brothers, Kim Hubbard, Todd Hubbard, Lee Hubbard, Ross Hubbard, and Glen Hubbard. Honorary pallbearers will be sons in law Lance Martin and Troy Whitlow; brothers in law Hayden Jones Jr., Rick Hollis, Rick Palmertree, Steve Williams, and Bryan Boyd; and extended family members/friends Mike Hensley, David Kersten, David Newton, Rex Van Buran, and Doug Anderson. Memorials can be made to St. John's Catholic Church 1900 West Main St. Russellville, AR 72801 or The Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

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