Mark Gregory Dutton

Celebration of Life-Mark Gregory Dutton

Beloved Son, Brother, Nephew, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, and Friend

DUTTON: Mark Gregory Dutton, 59, was born May 18, 1961 in Gainesville, FL to Doug and Anne Dutton. He was reunited with them and met his Savior, Jesus, face-to-face in heaven on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Mark had an abiding faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, who sacrificed himself to atone for mankind’s sins before the Holy Father.

As firstborn and over his first 5 years, he was the star of the Dutton family, then was joined by brother Greg in 1966 followed by sister Kim in 1967. Mark began his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors fishing with his Dad in the St. Petersburg, FL area. The family settled in Jacksonville in the early 1970’s where he grew and eventually attended Wolfson High School, graduating in 1980. The Air Force became his calling in late 1982.

His military career lasted 22 years, 4 months, and he took an honorable retirement in 2005 having attained a rank of E6 as an Integrated Avionics System Craftsman. Tours of duty included Panama, the Persian Gulf War, Operations Desert Shield and Enduring Freedom, and two tours in Korea among many other service destinations around the world. He served his country well in times of crisis and peace and earned a number of commendations including the following (among others):

Air Force Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC)
Air Force Commendation Medal (2 OLC)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star
National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC)
Air Force Overseas Long Tour and Short Tour Ribbons
Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 OLC)
Air Force Longevity Service Award (4 OLC)
Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1 OLC)
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (7 OLC)
Air Force Good Conduct Award (7 OLC)

Besides his family, Mark’s patriotic service to his country was his greatest source of pride.

On April 8, 1989, he married his sweetheart, Shelia Haveard, whom he loved for 32 years. His daughter, Brittany Nichole, was his joy and became his “twin” in many ways. They shared a love of reading, history, treasure seeking, video games, Scooby Doo, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and many other self-proclaimed nerdy pursuits.

An avid outdoorsman, Mark’s passions involved hunting, fishing, gardening, and working with his hands. After he became a grandfather, his main passion was spoiling and doting on his grandson, Nolen.

He is known for his big heart, emotional nature, generous spirit, faith in God, goofball sense of humor, mischievous pranks, humorous quips, love of the outdoors, and a passion for his rescue animals.

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Anne Dutton; Father, Doug Dutton; and Mother-in-Law, Betty Haveard.  He is survived by his Wife, Shelia; Daughter and Best Friend, Brittany (Husband Tyler Henderson); Grandson, Nolen; Brother, Greg (Wife Kristy Dutton); Sister, Kim (Husband Ken Bale); Step-Mother, Linda Dutton; Father-in-Law, Mann Haveard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Whitehurst Funeral Home, 436 West James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536. Masks are optional. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, animal rescue organizations, or other charity of your choice.

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