Mark Anthony Boals was born in Des Moines on Nov. 7, 1945, to Marcellus F. Boals and Gladys E. Davies Boals. He passed away peacefully on March 7, 2023, at Mercy West Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by his family. He now has all the knowledge of our universe.
He attended Urbandale Schools K-12, graduating in 1965. Mark’s school years included athletics; baseball, football, track and wrestling, and he excelled at all. He also pursued his musical talents, joining a rock and roll band, and in 1999, was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mark was drafted with the largest group of young men ever for the Vietnam War but joined the US Navy in October of 1965. He served at the US Naval Training Center in Illinois and trained as an Electrician’s Mate. Mark was assigned to the USS Samuel Gompers, a destroyer tender, and was based in Sasebo, Japan.
Honorably discharged in August of 1969, Mark returned to Urbandale and began his civilian career at Glen Gordon Electric. He earned his contractor license and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Mark was full of talent and fun — he had lifelong friends who are invited to share their memories with us. He had a strong body, strong will, and strong love for family and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by infant brother David Boals, brother Daniel Boals, and sister Glady Hartley, as well as both parents. He is survived by brother Rick Boals, sisters Carol Sue Light and Margaret Ann Boatright, sons Mark L. Boals and Bruce A. Boals, and grandson Bradley Boals.
Services will be held on April 14 at 1 p.m. at the Merle Hay Chapel, followed by a Celebration of Life at Walker-Johnson Park. Food will be served.
Interment will be at McDivitt Cemetery at a future date.