Mark DesPres

Mark Edward DesPres was born on January 24, 1943, in Effingham, Illinois, to Louis and Venita DesPres. His young adult life found him proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970, with notable duty stations in Ireland and Scotland. He also pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia and later, a Master’s Degree in Education from Webster College in St. Louis.

Mark had a fulfilling career teaching middle school history in Sullivan, Missouri. Upon retirement, he relocated to Branson and pursued a second vocation as a skilled anesthesia technician, working at Skaggs Hospital and Cox Medical Center in Branson.

It was during this time, he met Gloria Jean “Jeannie” Drake.  The two were married on September 29, 2001, at Williams Chapel on the College of the Ozarks campus. Their union brought much joy into his life.

Mark was a man of many interests, including a lifelong passion of stamp collecting. He also found peace and joy in visiting and photographing old grist mills across Arkansas and Missouri.  Mark was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Forsyth, and faith was a cornerstone of his life.

Mark passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 at his home in Forsyth at the age of 82.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terrance DesPres; and one sister, Petra Beel.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jeannie DesPres of Forsyth; Jeannie’s son, Todd Drake and wife Charlene of Walnut Shade and grandson, Noah; his siblings, Dorothy Bowden of Galena, MO, Sarah Clarkson of Fenton, MO, Josquin DesPres of Radcliff, KY, Lou DesPres of Gordonville, MO, Mary Mezines of Chesterfield, MO, Carla Doyle of Walla Walla, WA, Lora Watkins of Pevely, MO, and Esther Robinson of Vandalia, MO.

Memorial services will be held Monday, December 22, 2025 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Mark Drake (Jeannie’s cousin). Military honors will be performed by the Veterans of the Ozarks and the United States Navy.  Mark will be interred in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.
 

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