Harold Marks, Jr. Obituary

Harold A. (Buddy) Marks Jr. - age 93 of Grand Blanc, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 20, 2025 at Henry Ford Hospital in Grand Blanc. Harold was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Harold is survived by his wife Janet Warren, his children Thomas (Rebecca) Marks, Dr. Steven (Kelly) Marks, Michael Marks, and Catherine (Jack) Marshall, his sisters Anne (Harvey) Stein and Joan Siler, Janet’s three children, Bruce (Erin), Elizabeth (Alvin) and Terese (Thomas), eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Maxine Chaimson Marks, and his sister Susan Krinsley. Harold deeply loved all of his family and was also deeply loved by all of them.

Harold graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and spent a lifetime as the school’s most devoted sports fan. Harold was especially proud that three of his children (Tom, Steve and Cathy), one of his grandchildren (Jacob Marks) attended Michigan, and one of his great grandchildren (Allie Poe) is set to attend in the fall.

Upon graduating college, Harold enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the intelligence branch. He served during the Korean war and was stationed on an island in Alaska where he intercepted Soviet messages. His unit was awarded a citation for their work.

Harold had an exceptionally successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. He was a partner in the Grand Rapids firm of Prangley, Marks & Company from 1974 until his retirement at age 78. Harold was a leader in the Grand Rapids business community, sought after to serve as a director on the boards of many local organizations. These included The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce (chairman), Blodgett Hospital, The Grand Rapids Public Museum, The Estate Planning Council (president), Special Olympics, Temple Emanuel (treasurer), United Jewish Appeal (vice president), Cascade Country Club (treasurer), and The Grand Valley Metro Council.

Beginning in childhood, Harold was an avid golfer and played regularly for most of his life. He coached his children’s sports teams and took one of his senior league baseball teams to the World Series, where they finished in third place losing only to Taiwan and Hawaii. Harold was also an avid reader and typically finished a novel each week. He lived his life with happiness. He was almost always upbeat and resilient. He will be missed.

The memorial service will be at 12:30 PM Friday, February 28, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center located at 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan with Rabbi Josh Whinston officiating. The service will also be live streamed and can be viewed via the link at the base of this obituary. Military honors will take place immediately following at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Friday. The family is seeing guests on Saturday from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at 1443 Dauner Road, Fenton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Harold to The University of Michigan - The President's Fund (www.umich.edu). Go Blue.

Online tributes may be shared on Harold's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com