Thomas Mark Bland

Thomas Mark Bland passed away at his home on March 16, 2024, in Madison, MS. 

He was the beloved husband of Lynn Mashburn Bland. Mark was born on May 14, 1953. He is the son of the late Robert Bland and Irene Bland. 

In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by his sister, Robbie, and five sons, Jason Bland, Andrew Bland, Sean Bland, Jason Jones and Darin Jones. He is also survived by two grandchildren. 

He was the husband of Jerri Farrar.After graduating from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington, Mark enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971. 

He served on both Active Duty and in the Reserve component until 2000, and retired as a Petty Officer First Class. During his service in the Navy Reserve, Mark also served as an educator for middle and high school students, and received teaching licenses from the states of Arkansas and Washington. 

Following his retirement from the military, Mark worked for more than twenty years as a Veterans Administration Claims Adjustor. Mark is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he received a Master’s Degree in History. Services were held on March 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.