Marks, Donald Parish (Don)

Donald Parish (Don) Marks, 74, of Blacksburg, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2012, after battling colon cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Otie Marks, of Newport News, Va.; and a brother, William (Bill) Marks, of Mechanicsville, Va. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet (Jan) Wood Marks. Don and Jan were married September 3, 1965, and on their 30th wedding anniversary renewed their wedding vows in a little country church on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He is also survived by his son, Brent C. Marks, of Christiansburg, Va.; a son, Kevin T. Marks, of California; a grandson, Chris T. Marks, the light of his life, and his mother, Maxie Riddlebarger, both of Blacksburg; a sister and her husband, Alice and Ed Fletcher, of Georgia; a brother, Bryant Marks, of North Carolina; a special cousin, Jim Patty, of Purcellville, Va.; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Don was born in Newport News, Va., on November 27, 1937 (Thanksgiving Day). He graduated from Warwick High School in the Class of 1956. Don served six months active duty and six years active reserve in the United States Marine Corps. He loved the USA and had quite a collection of bald eagles-the symbol of our freedom. He believed in God, family and country. While at Virginia Tech, Don wrestled as he did in high school and at O.D.U., back when it was the W & M/ V.P.I. extension. At Tech, he was Southern Conference Heavyweight Champion in 1963. Don graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971. Don was Blacksburg’s first town engineer, first public works director, first planning director, first zoning administrator and first assistant town manager-all five positions being held at the same time. He was replaced by five people when he left the town. One summer he was acting town manager. For years he ran his own engineering and surveying business leaving his mark on numerous projects in the county and state. Years ago, Don was active in the Blacksburg Recreation League sponsoring a softball team called the Engineers. He coached the Blacksburg High School wrestling team for three years as a volunteer. He always felt athletics for young people was a good way to build character. Always a BIG Hokie fan, he was a large donator to football and baseball scholarships and to the wrestling team. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Virginia Tech Athletics Scholarship Fund. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, Va.