Mark A. Linton of Tellico Plains, went to be with the Lord at 8:40 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26, at UT Medical Center. He was born to the union of Edward O. and Violet Engle Linton in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1931. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War as a high speed Morse Code Communications Specialist. He also held a pilot's license for single and multi-engine planes with instrument rating. He was a Christian and long-time member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), serving as an elder, Sunday School teacher and sang baritone in the choir. He served on the Pearl, Miss. Auxiliary Police, the Rafter Volunteer Fire Dept. and as a ham radio operator for severe weather alerts for Monroe County. As a devoted husband, father, friend and cook, Mark was always thinking of how to help and make the lives of others easier and more enjoyable. Many vacations and memories were shared with family and friends.

He was 81.

Preceded in death by: parents; son-in-law, Robert Smith; and great-granddaughter, Makenzie Wayman.

Survivors include: wife of 47 years-Lucile Hunt Linton;

Son and daughter-in-law-Steven D. and Linda Wayman;

Daughters and sons-in-law-Janice and Dennis Calhoun and Lynette and Mike Atkinson;

Eleven grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren;

Brother and sisters-in-law-John and Stella Linton and Ellen Harrison;

Many nieces, nephews and friends,

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29, at Friends Meeting of Ball Play Church with Rev. Scott Knight officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Linton Youth Fund, Friendsville Quarterly Meeting. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.